Kamaru Usman Regains Victory with a Dominant Performance
Although he didn’t regain the UFC belt that night, Kamaru Usman showed his best version last Saturday. Usman (21-4) achieved his first victory in over three years at the UFC Fight Night held in Atlanta, defeating Joaquin Buckley (21-7) by unanimous decision in the welterweight main event. All three judges agreed on the score, awarding 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Usman. This victory marks the end of a three-fight losing streak for Usman, his first since November 2021.Usman, former welterweight champion and previously ranked as number one pound-for-pound, returned after a 20-month inactivity to face Buckley. He based his strategy on his collegiate wrestling experience, especially in the first four rounds, where he achieved takedowns and kept Buckley on the ground, accumulating offense. The last round presented challenges, with Usman showing signs of fatigue and anticipating his movements. According to UFC statistics, he had a 4-7 in takedown attempts in the first four rounds and a 0-6 in the last five minutes. Buckley, 31 years old, took advantage of the situation, connecting punches and uppercuts, but Usman’s experience allowed him to avoid the decisive blow. This defeat interrupted Buckley’s six-fight winning streak, four of them by knockout.“It’s been a long time. I needed to get that weight off my shoulders. 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 commented after the fight.
Kamaru Usman
Before his recent losing streak, Usman had a stellar performance in the UFC, including his path to a sixth title defense in August 2022, when Leon Edwards surprised him with a head kick. Usman lost to Edwards in a rematch and also suffered a decision loss to Khamzat Chimaev. In the event at State Farm Arena, Usman demonstrated his skill from the start, taking Buckley down in the first minute and opening a small wound near the right eye with elbows. Despite Buckley’s resistance, Usman maintained control. This outcome redefines the welterweight division, with Usman, considered an underdog in the betting, now as a serious option for the winner of the title fight between Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev, scheduled for later this year.“To be honest, I’m happy to be in this octagon with someone known as one of the best. I’m very happy that we went five rounds and had an incredible fight. I’ve come a long way to see myself here. This won’t be the end. We’re just getting started,” Buckley said.
Joaquin Buckley
