American UFC fighter Joaquin Buckley has responded with humility and respect following his loss to former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in a five-round contest at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta. Buckley, 30, praised Usman as “one of the greatest to ever do it” and said it was an honor to share the Octagon with the Nigerian mixed martial arts icon.
Despite dropping a unanimous decision in the fight, Buckley kept his head high and took to social media and post-fight interviews to express his gratitude.
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“It was a privilege to go to war with a legend,” Buckley said. “This isn’t the end for me. I’ll be back.”
The fight was Buckley’s first major bout against a former champion, and he showcased grit, speed, and powerful striking throughout the contest.
While Usman’s experience and wrestling background ultimately controlled the pace, Buckley’s performance earned respect from fans and analysts alike. UFC president Dana White later praised the matchup as one of the best fights of the night.
Buckley also hinted at what’s next for his career, indicating that the experience will serve as motivation for future bouts. “I learned a lot,” he said. “Every time I step into that cage, I grow. And trust me, I’m only getting better.”
Many fans and pundits have applauded Buckley’s sportsmanship and mindset following the loss. His statement has resonated across the MMA community, with calls for him to be matched up against other rising stars or even veterans looking for redemption bouts.
Though the fight didn’t go his way, Buckley’s post-fight grace and resilience have boosted his popularity. As one fan put it online: “Buckley didn’t just fight like a warrior — he handled defeat like a champion.”
