Former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, made a triumphant return to the octagon on Sunday morning in Atlanta, defeating American fighter Joaquin Buckley in a high-stakes clash that reminded fans of his elite caliber.
The unanimous decision victory (49–46, 49–46, 48–47) marked Usman’s first win since 2021, ending a nearly four-year winless stretch and re-establishing him as a top contender in the welterweight division. Known for his exceptional wrestling and strategic prowess, Usman dominated the early rounds, landing 16 unanswered significant strikes and controlling the pace with relentless takedowns.
Reacting to the victory, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, congratulated Usman, calling him a “true ambassador” of Nigeria. She shared a collage of their past meeting and moments from the fight, celebrating the fighter’s resilience and global representation.
“It feels good,” Usman admitted in his post-fight interview. “I needed to get that monkey off my back. I can still perform at the highest level.”
Usman, now holding a 21–4 MMA record, didn’t shy away from addressing his critics. He firmly responded to ongoing jokes about his injuries, especially regarding his knees, emphasizing that he remains a formidable force.
Despite Buckley’s aggressive fifth-round push, Usman’s dominance throughout the match secured a well-deserved win. The victory not only silenced doubters but also signaled the beginning of what could be a second title run.
“I could do that to anybody,” Usman warned. “The next one with the belt—I’m coming for you.”
With renewed momentum and unwavering determination, Kamaru Usman is once again a name to watch in the UFC’s welterweight title race.
