Former UFC welterweight champion and Nigerian-American icon, Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman, roared back into the win column Saturday night, defeating rising contender Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision in the main event of UFC Atlanta at State Farm Arena.
The judges scored the five-round bout 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favor of Usman, marking his first victory since November 2021 and snapping a three-fight losing streak.
Usman, 38, leaned on his elite wrestling pedigree and veteran savvy to control the pace of the fight, executing four takedowns and dominating top control for over 13 minutes. Buckley, who entered the bout on a six-fight win streak, struggled to match Usman’s relentless pressure and grappling prowess.
“It’s been a while,” Usman said in an emotional post-fight interview. “I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level.”
The victory reestablishes Usman as a top contender in the welterweight division and silences critics who questioned whether the former pound-for-pound king still had what it takes to compete at the sport’s highest level.
Buckley, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent: “For us to go five rounds and put on an amazing fight, I’m just so happy. This ain’t gonna be the end. We just getting started.”