After nearly four years without a victory and mounting speculation about his decline, Kamaru Usman made a powerful return to form on Saturday night at UFC Atlanta, delivering a dominant performance that reminded fans why he’s regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in MMA history, according to MMAfighting.
Usman didn’t just beat Joaquin Buckley — he overwhelmed him. From the opening seconds to the final bell, the former champion showcased the signature skills that once made him unstoppable: relentless wrestling, airtight top control, and a cardio engine that never faltered. It was a vintage display — and it couldn’t have come at a more critical time.
“It feels good,” Usman said following the fight. “It’s been a while. I needed to shake off the doubts. I know I can still compete at the highest level. Against a younger, aggressive guy like that, you’ve got to lean on your experience and skill. That’s what I did tonight.”
After back-to-back losses and a long layoff filled with talk of his declining knees, many had counted Usman out. But once the cage door closed, it was the former champion who looked sharp, composed, and threatening — not the surging contender.
“I know it’s become a joke,” Usman said. “People love to get online and run their mouths — ‘His knees, his knees!’ Well, shut the f*ck up. I’m still here, doing what I do.”
And he proved it. Usman imposed his will on Buckley throughout the bout, repeatedly taking him down with surgical precision. He opened a cut early, controlled Buckley on the ground for extended periods, and smothered nearly every escape attempt. Even when Buckley mounted a late rally, Usman’s earlier dominance had already secured the win.
The victory wasn’t just a return to the win column — it was a statement. After a long reign and a difficult fall, Usman didn’t return to chase respect. He came back to reclaim what he believes is still his.
“I can do that to anyone,” Usman said. “The knockouts will come. I just needed to get this monkey off my back. To the rest of the welterweight division — I’ve always been, and I’ll always be, the f*cking boogeyman.”
As for Buckley, who showed toughness and heart despite being outclassed, the experience marked a milestone in his journey.
“I’m beyond honored to share the octagon with one of the best to ever do it,” Buckley said after the fight. “To go five rounds and put on a fight like that — it means everything. I’ve come a long way, and this isn’t the end. This is just the beginning.”
Whether Usman’s resurgence leads to another title shot remains uncertain. But one thing is clear after UFC Atlanta: the “Nigerian Nightmare” is back — and the welterweight division has been put on notice.
