Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman returned to the win column in emphatic fashion on Saturday night, defeating Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Fight Night in Atlanta.
The veteran fighter showed flashes of his former dominance, controlling the pace and direction of the five-round battle inside State Farm Arena.
Judges scored the bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Usman, who earned his first victory since 2021 after enduring a three-fight losing streak. The 38-year-old used his wrestling, cage control, and smart striking to neutralize Buckley’s speed and power throughout the match.
“It’s been a while,” Usman said after the fight. “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.”
Usman was coming off back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards and a short-notice middleweight bout against Khamzat Chimaev. Returning to his natural welterweight division, he looked sharper and more composed, taking Buckley down multiple times and keeping control on the ground.
Buckley, known for his knockout power and fast rise in the division, had moments in the final round, landing clean shots that tested Usman’s endurance. But the former champ kept his composure, circling away and avoiding major damage until the final horn.
“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,” Buckley 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.”
The win was also special for Usman as he marked his 22nd career victory and reminded the MMA world that he’s not done yet. Using his trademark pressure and control, he left little doubt that he still has the tools to compete at the highest level.
