Kamaru Usman Returns With Dominant Win Over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta
Last night in Atlanta, Kamaru Usman reminded the world exactly who he is.
After nearly three years without a win, and a series of tough defeats, the former welterweight champion returned to the Octagon with a vengeance. Facing rising contender Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta, Usman showed why he was once considered one of the most dominant forces in the division.
The fight started with a clear statement. Usman wasted no time—ducking under Buckley’s wild punch early in round one and scoring a takedown that set the tone for the rest of the fight. From there, it was classic Usman: control, composure, and calculated violence. He stayed on top of Buckley, landing ground and pound and opening a cut under the contender’s eye before the round was done.
Buckley, always game, had his moments. In round two, he managed to find some space, landing a few solid strikes and avoiding Usman’s grappling briefly. But the veteran's persistence paid off again—another takedown, more dominance on the mat, and another round clearly in the former champ’s favor.
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By the time round three came around, Buckley landed his best shot of the fight—snapping Usman's head back and putting the crowd on edge. But if anything, that just woke up “The Nigerian Nightmare.” Usman immediately secured another takedown, smothered Buckley, and made sure he never had a chance to build momentum.
The fourth round was déjà vu—Buckley throwing bombs, Usman closing the distance and dragging him back down to the canvas. Despite Buckley fending off five takedown attempts in the final frame, Usman weathered every storm. And after 25 grueling minutes, the scorecards told the story: 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47—all for Kamaru Usman.
This wasn’t just a win. This was a resurrection. Usman fought back tears in his post-fight interview as he talked about what it meant to get back in the win column after a three-fight losing streak that had many questioning if his time at the top was over. But then, like the cold veteran he is, he delivered a message that echoed through the division:
“To the rest of the welterweights… I have and always will be the f------ boogeyman.”
That message was loud and clear. Usman may not be wearing the belt right now, but he just served notice: he’s still one of the most dangerous men in the game. Whether you're a contender on the rise or a top-five staple, you’d better think twice before calling out The Nigerian Nightmare.
He's back—and he’s coming for everyone.
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