Kamaru Usman Returns with Victory at UFC Fight Night
Although he didn’t regain the UFC belt, Kamaru Usman demonstrated his quality at the UFC Fight Night event, showing glimpses of his best form. Usman (21-4) achieved his first victory in over three years by defeating Joaquin Buckley (21-7) by unanimous decision in the welterweight main event. The judges scored the fight 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Usman. This victory ends a streak of three consecutive losses.Usman, former welterweight champion and number 1 pound-for-pound contender, returned after a 20-month inactivity to face Buckley. He used his collegiate wrestling experience, dominating the first four rounds. He managed to take Buckley down in each of these rounds, maintaining control and accumulating offense. In the last round, Usman showed signs of fatigue, which allowed Buckley to take the initiative with punches and uppercuts. However, Usman’s experience was key to avoiding the definitive blow. The defeat interrupted Buckley’s six-game winning streak.“It’s been a while. I needed to shake that weight off. I know I can still compete at the highest level. I expected it to be very tough, and it was. He’s a very talented guy. I show love and respect to all these guys because I know what it takes to work and get here,” Usman declared.
Kamaru Usman
Before his losing streak, Usman had a notable performance in the UFC. He was on his way to his sixth title defense in August 2022, when Leon Edwards defeated him with a head kick. Then, he lost to Edwards in a rematch and to Khamzat Chimaev. His performance against Buckley was consistent from the start. Usman took Buckley down in the first minute, establishing control and opening a small cut near Buckley’s right eye with elbows. The following rounds were similar, although Buckley showed resilience. The outcome could influence the division of the 170-pound weight class, as Usman defeated Buckley as a clear underdog. Now, Usman is an option for the winner of the welterweight title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, which is expected to occur later this year. In the co-main event, Rose Namajunas (14-7) improved her record to 3-2 at flyweight after defeating Miranda Maverick (15-5) by unanimous decision. The judges scored it 30-27, 30-27, and 29-28. The fight was close in the exchange of blows, but Namajunas used takedowns to control Maverick on the ground and secure the victory. Although Namajunas’ record at 125 pounds doesn’t show her as a title contender, her only losses have been against the best in the division, Manon Fiorot and Erin Blanchfield.“I’m going to be honest, I’m happy to be in this octagon with someone known as one of the best. Having gone the five rounds and having had an incredible fight, I’m very happy. I’ve come a long way to be here. This will not be the end. We are just beginning,” Buckley commented.
Joaquin Buckley
