Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman delivered a powerful statement — inside the cage and on the mic after securing a dominant unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta.
The victory marked his first since 2021, and the Nigerian-American veteran used his post-fight remarks to silence doubters and reaffirm his presence at the elite level.
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“It Feels Good” — Usman Reflects on Ending Winless Streak
“It feels good,” a visibly relieved Usman said during his post-fight interview. “It’s been a while, I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level.”
The 37-year-old former champion had not tasted victory since his win over Jorge Masvidal in April 2021, following a stretch of three consecutive defeats. Against Buckley, Usman showcased his trademark wrestling dominance, taking the younger fighter down repeatedly and neutralizing his striking threats.
Experience Over Youth: “That’s What I Did Tonight”
“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,” Usman said. “That’s what I did tonight.”
Despite Buckley’s final-round rally, Usman’s calculated control and relentless pressure throughout the fight left little doubt on the scorecards. Judges awarded him a unanimous decision with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
Clapping Back at Critics: “Shut Up, I Can Still Do What I Do”
Kamaru didn’t hold back when addressing long-standing criticisms about his health, particularly his knees, which have been the subject of widespread speculation.
“I know it’s a running joke,” he said. “Everybody wants to get on the internet and talk shit. ‘Oh his knees, his knees!’ Well shut the f*ck up, I can still do what I do.”
Message to the Division: “I’ve Been and Always Will Be the Boogeyman”
With the win over Buckley — who moved up from middleweight for the opportunity — Usman sent a clear message to the welterweight division.
“I can do that to anybody,” he declared. “Any one of them. Those knockouts will come, I just needed this monkey off my back. The rest of the welterweight division, listen — I have been and always will be the f*cking boogeyman.”
Vintage Performance Reinforces Usman’s Legacy
Throughout the bout, Usman relied on his wrestling pedigree, taking Buckley down in every round and maintaining positional dominance. He opened a cut on Buckley in the early rounds with a slicing elbow and never allowed the younger fighter to fully establish his offense.
Even as Buckley rallied late and landed significant strikes in Round 5, Usman’s poise and grappling sealed the win.
Respect From the Opponent
Despite the loss, Buckley showed class in defeat, praising the former champion.
“I’m beyond just honored to be in this octagon with somebody who’s known as one of the best,” Buckley said. “One of the GOATs to do it. For us to go five rounds, to put on an amazing fight, I’m just so happy. I’ve come a long way, and you all see me here. This ain’t going to be the end — we just getting started.”
What’s Next for Usman?
With the win, Usman snaps a three-fight losing streak and places himself back in the conversation for another title run. Whether it’s a showdown with a top contender or a title eliminator, Saturday night’s performance reminded the world that “The Nigerian Nightmare” is far from finished.
As Usman left the Octagon to cheers in Atlanta, one thing was clear — the boogeyman is back.
