Kamaru Usman defeats Joaquin Buckley: Nigerian Nightmare gets 1st UFC win

"Nigerian Nightmare" Snaps Losing Streak with Dominant Victory Over Joaquin Buckley, Signaling a Powerful Return to the Welterweight Elite
Atlanta, Georgia – In an emotional and resounding display of skill and determination, Kamaru Usman, the former undisputed UFC Welterweight Champion, etched a new chapter in his storied career by securing a unanimous decision victory over a resilient Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta. This pivotal win, a masterful performance that showcased the "Nigerian Nightmare's" signature grappling prowess and veteran composure, marked his first triumph since November 2021, effectively shattering a three-fight losing streak and unequivocally declaring his formidable presence back in the welterweight division.
The atmosphere inside the State Farm Arena was electric, charged with anticipation as fans witnessed Usman's long-awaited return to the octagon after a 20-month layoff – the longest of his decorated MMA career. Having faced back-to-back losses to the current welterweight king, Leon Edwards, and a short-notice defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight, questions had lingered about the 38-year-old's ability to compete at the elite level he once dominated. However, from the opening bell, Usman systematically dismantled those doubts, delivering a performance that resonated with the tactical brilliance and relentless pressure that defined his championship reign.
Usman's strategy was clear and effective: leverage his superior wrestling. In the first four rounds, the "Nigerian Nightmare" methodically grounded Buckley, demonstrating textbook takedowns and maintaining relentless top control. He effectively stifled Buckley's explosive striking, keeping him on the defensive and accumulating significant control time. The stats paint a clear picture of Usman's dominance, with nearly 13 minutes of control time and a decisive 137-51 advantage in total strikes. Buckley, known for his highlight-reel knockouts and a formidable six-fight winning streak, found himself grappling with a level of wrestling he simply couldn't overcome. Usman's ability to seamlessly transition from striking exchanges to well-timed takedowns showcased the evolution of a fighter who, despite his wrestling base, had developed fearsome striking during his championship run.
While Usman dictated the pace for the majority of the bout, Buckley, to his credit, showed immense grit and resilience. In the fifth and final round, with the fight seemingly out of reach, Buckley rallied with powerful hooks and uppercuts, catching Usman with some clean shots. This late surge briefly put the former champion on shaky ground, demonstrating Buckley's power and refusal to yield. However, Usman's experience and composure shone through, allowing him to weather the storm, avoid serious danger, and ultimately close out the fight with his hand raised. The judges' scorecards reflected Usman's control, with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 all in favor of the Nigerian-American.
In an emotional post-fight interview, Usman was visibly moved by the victory. "It's been a while," he confessed, fighting back tears. "I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I'm still able to do this at the highest level. Sometimes when you're going up against a young, hungry guy like that, very talented, very aggressive, you've got to pull out the skills and use the experience – and that's what I did tonight." He also addressed the pervasive online chatter about his perceived physical limitations, particularly regarding his knees. "I know it's a running joke, everybody wants to get on the internet and talk s***, 'Oh, his knees, his knees.' Well, shut the f*** up, I can still do what I do. I could do that to anybody [in the welterweight division], any one of them." His emphatic declaration, "The boogeyman is back," sent a clear message to the rest of the welterweight division.
This victory is far more than just a return to the win column for Kamaru Usman; it's a powerful statement of intent. His last win before this came against Colby Covington in November 2021, a period that feels like a lifetime ago in the fast-paced world of MMA. Since then, his record stood at 0-3 before the Buckley fight, a stark contrast to his previously near-perfect run that saw him amass 15 consecutive UFC wins, the second-longest streak in UFC history. Now, with the "monkey off his back," Usman has reinserted himself into the welterweight title conversation.
The landscape of the welterweight division has shifted since Usman's dominant reign, with Leon Edwards holding the belt and a host of hungry contenders like Belal Muhammad and Shavkat Rakhmonov making their marks. However, Usman's performance against Buckley, a fighter who had looked sensational in his recent outings, demonstrates that the "Nigerian Nightmare" still possesses the skills, intelligence, and championship pedigree to challenge for the gold once again. While a direct title shot might not be immediately next, a high-profile matchup against another top contender seems inevitable, as Usman aims to solidify his path back to reclaiming the throne he held for so long. The journey back to the summit is long and arduous, but for Kamaru Usman, the first, crucial step has been taken, and the "Nigerian Nightmare" is well and truly awake.
Source@Pulse Sports