Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman bounced back from a three-fight losing streak with a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley on Saturday night.
The headline bout at UFC Atlanta, held at the State Farm Arena, saw Usman return to action for the first time since October 2023. Facing off against the surging Buckley — who entered the octagon on a six-fight win streak — Kamaru Usman delivered a calculated and commanding performance over five rounds.
Buckley, known for his knockout power with 15 of his 27 wins coming via KO, had previously stopped former interim titleholder Colby Covington in December. But against “The Nigerian Nightmare,” he couldn’t find the rhythm.
Kamaru Usman controlled the pace and outclassed Buckley throughout the fight, with the judges scoring it unanimously in his favor: 49-46, 49-46, 49-46.
The win marks a crucial turning point in Usman’s career and re-establishes his position among the UFC welterweight elite.
