Kamaru Usman reminded the UFC world that he is far from finished after delivering a resounding victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.
After a difficult stretch of defeats, the former welterweight champion showcased his class to silence critics at the State Farm Arena.
Coming off a painful 20-month layoff – the longest of his professional career – Usman knew he had everything to prove. Additionally, having lost his last three fights, many doubted whether the 38-year-old could still compete at the highest level. However, he answered those questions emphatically by outwrestling Buckley for five dominant rounds.
Although Buckley entered with a dangerous six-fight win streak, Usman expertly neutralised the threat. Using his trademark wrestling skills, he grounded Buckley in every one of the first four rounds. Not only did Usman secure takedowns with ease, but he also controlled the pace, totaling nearly 13 minutes of top control time.
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Buckley, to his credit, showed flashes of danger in the later rounds. His power punches in the fifth round momentarily troubled Usman. This forced the former champion to stay alert. Nevertheless, Usman’s vast experience and tactical discipline helped him weather the late storm and close out the fight strongly.
As the judges’ scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 were announced in Usman’s favour, the Nigerian veteran couldn’t hold back his emotions. After such a turbulent period marked by losses to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev, this victory was more than just a win.
Moreover, Usman immediately declared his hunger for another shot at the welterweight crown. “I have been, and always will be, the f***ing boogeyman,” he roared, sending a clear message to the division’s top contenders.
Tags: Kamaru Usman, UFC Atlanta, Joaquin Buckley, State Farm Arena, Leon Edwards, Khamzat Chimaev, #UFCAtlanta.
