Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman made a triumphant return to the Octagon on Saturday night, earning a unanimous decision win over rising contender Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta.
The victory marks Usman’s first win since November 2021 and ends a three-fight skid that included a pair of title defeats and a brief foray into the middleweight division. Determined to reclaim his place among the UFC elite, Usman showcased vintage form with dominant grappling and control throughout the five-round bout.
Usman established his authority early, scoring multiple takedowns and overwhelming Buckley on the mat. He controlled the pace and limited Buckley's offense, securing two 10–0 rounds in significant strikes. Though Buckley rallied slightly in the final round with improved striking, it was not enough to sway the judges, who scored the bout 49–46, 49–46, and 48–47 in Usman’s favor.
Post-fight, an emotional Usman reflected on his journey back to victory, candidly sharing the mental and physical toll of his recent setbacks.
“I’ve been fighting demons. This win means more than I can express,” he said during the post-fight press conference.
Buckley, whose six-fight winning streak came to an end, praised Usman’s performance and acknowledged the difficulty in neutralizing the former champion’s elite wrestling.
With the win, Usman positions himself for a potential run at the welterweight title, currently held by Jack Della Maddalena, who claimed the belt at UFC 315. Speculation also swirls around a possible superfight involving Islam Makhachev, depending on future title implications.
The victory not only reignites Usman’s championship aspirations but also reaffirms his legacy as one of the most formidable fighters in UFC history.
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