Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman got back in the win column on Saturday night, securing his first victory since 2021 in an emotional return at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta.
The 38-year-old veteran defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision, ending a tough three-fight skid and reminding fans and fighters alike that he still belongs among the best.
Usman controlled much of the five-round bout at State Farm Arena, using his trademark wrestling to keep Buckley off balance. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47, all in favor of Usman, who looked sharp and focused throughout.
“It’s been a while,” Usman said after the fight, clearly emotional. “I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level. … I expected him to be really tough, which he was. He’s a very talented guy. I show love and respect to all of these guys because I know what it takes to work and get here.”
The win was Usman’s first since November 2021 and comes after a rough stretch that included back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards and a short-notice decision loss to rising contender Khamzat Chimaev. Saturday’s fight also marked his return to the welterweight division after briefly moving up to middleweight last year.
Throughout the bout, Usman stuck to a smart game plan. He scored takedowns in each of the first four rounds and landed damaging elbows on the ground, cutting Buckley near the eye. Buckley came alive in the final round, connecting with heavy shots, but Usman stayed composed and avoided serious trouble.
Buckley, who entered the fight on a six-fight winning streak, didn’t hang his head after the loss. “I’m going to be honest, I’m just glad to be in this Octagon with someone who is known as one of the best,” he said. “For us to go five rounds and put on an amazing fight, I’m just so happy. I’ve come a long way to see me here. This ain’t gonna be the end. We just getting started.”
