After nearly two years out of the win column, Kamaru Usman reminded the MMA world what made him great. In the main event of UFC Atlanta, the former welterweight king dominated surging contender Joaquin Buckley over five rounds, returning to form in emphatic fashion.
Usman wasted no time, securing an early takedown in the first and controlling from top position with steady ground-and-pound. Round two saw more of the same — another takedown, sharp elbows, and Buckley bleeding by the end of it. The crowd at State Farm Arena roared as the “Nigerian Nightmare” continued to maul from top control.
In the third, Buckley found some success with big punches, but halfway through, Usman planted him again, suffocating his momentum. Round four followed the same script — Buckley came forward swinging, but Usman neutralized him with yet another takedown and cage pressure.
To his credit, Buckley made a final push in the fifth, stuffing six straight takedown attempts and swinging for the fences. But the damage was already done. All three judges scored it for Usman: 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
This win marks Usman’s first since his UFC 268 title defense against Colby Covington. He had dropped three in a row, including a middleweight debut loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294. Buckley, meanwhile, sees his six-fight win streak snapped — but gains respect for going five rounds with a legend.
Is this the start of a comeback tour for Usman, or a one-off masterclass? Either way, the former champ still has plenty left in the tank.
