Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman has officially re-entered the division's top five, rising to fifth place in the latest rankings following a commanding victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC in Atlanta.
Usman showcased his trademark wrestling prowess throughout the five-round co-main event, securing a unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) that marked his first win since 2021, and ended a three-fight losing streak. The performance earned Fight of the Night honors, with both fighters receiving $50,000 bonuses.
With this win, Usman replaces Buckley in the No. 5 spot, reaffirming his status as a top contender in the welterweight division. He now sits behind Belal Muhammad, Sean Brady, Shavkat Rakhmonov, and Leon Edwards. The victory has sparked conversations around a potential title run, with some speculating a future clash against top-ranked Belal Muhammad.
At 38, Usman has made it clear that he’s not done competing at the highest level and intends to pursue another shot at UFC gold.
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