Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman returned to the Octagon with a statement victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta on Saturday.
Usman, who had not fought in nearly two years, earned a dominant unanimous decision win, with judges scoring the bout 49–46, 49–46, and 48–47 in his favor.
Usman, 38, expressed strong emotions post-fight, admitting that he had to “go back and sharpen his tools” before stepping back into the cage.
He said the layoff tested his physical and mental strength, especially as critics questioned his age and ability to compete against younger fighters.
Usman described feeling disrespected leading up to the fight and emphasized that this win reaffirms his status as a top contender in the division.
The Nigerian fighter showcased his trademark wrestling and composure, controlling the pace of the fight and neutralizing Buckley’s explosive striking.
Though Buckley had moments of aggression, Usman’s experience and endurance proved decisive over five rounds.
This victory marks Usman’s first win since 2021 and ends a three-fight losing streak.
It also positions him as a potential threat in the welterweight or middleweight divisions, depending on his next move. In the post-fight interview, Usman became emotional, shedding tears and thanking his team, fans, and supporters for sticking by him.
“I’m not done,” Usman said. “They wrote me off, but I know what I’m capable of. This was just the beginning of my next chapter.”
The win has sparked conversations about potential matchups with top contenders and even a possible rematch against past rivals. For Usman, this return was more than just a win — it was a reclaiming of identity, legacy, and pride
