In the early hours of Sunday, June 15, 2025, Nigerian-born former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru “The Nigerian Nightmare” Usman clinched a triumphant return to the Octagon.
At Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, the 38-year-old veteran delivered a masterclass in wrestling and control, outworking American striker Joaquin Buckley over five hard-fought rounds to secure a clean sweep on the judges’ scorecards (49‑46, 49‑46, 48‑47) .
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Usman wasted no time imposing his will, closing distance early in round one with emphatic takedowns and ground-and-pound. He delivered two more takedowns in round two and relentlessly pressed his advantage, cutting Buckley from elbows and sharply outstriking him on the canvas .
Despite Buckley showing heart and rallying in the opening exchanges of round five—connecting with a left hook and staving off all takedown attempts—Usman remained steady. He regained control and held firm until the final horn, snapping Buckley’s six-fight winning streak .
Post-fight, Usman confessed: “I needed to get that monkey off my back… I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level,” nodding to critics who doubted his wrestling since knee issues first surfaced . Buckley, gracious in defeat, praised his opponent, saying, “We’re just getting started, baby…We’ll be back.”
This win marks Usman’s first since his loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023 and ends a three-fight skid that included two losses to Leon Edwards . With renewed momentum and his confidence restored, Usman is back in the conversation for another shot at the welterweight crown.
Beyond the main event, UFC Atlanta featured other compelling bouts: Rose Namajunas earned a hard-fought decision over Miranda Maverick, while rising stars Mansur Abdul‑Malik and Edmen Shahbazyan also secured unanimous wins .
For Nigerian MMA fans, Usman’s emphatic statement is more than personal redemption—it’s a national victory.
As he reclaims his place among the 170‑pound elite, the Nigerian Nightmare reminds the world why he once reigned supreme
