In an exciting return to the octagon, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman faced off against rising star Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. This marked Usman's first fight since his loss to Khamzat Chimaev and a bid to rebound from three consecutive defeats, including two title fights against Leon Edwards. For Buckley, this bout was a chance to showcase his talents after moving down to the welterweight division and coming off a victory over Colby Covington.
The fight began with both fighters at center stage, forgoing the customary glove touch. Just 40 seconds into the first round, Usman executed a decisive takedown, swiftly bringing Buckley to the ground. With Buckley pressed against the cage, Usman demonstrated his grappling skills by dragging him away from the fence. Once on top in half-guard, Usman worked on landing effective body shots while delivering punches and elbows, even opening a cut on Buckley's forehead. Usman dominated the round, controlling the pace and landing consistent strikes.
As the second round unfolded, Buckley sought to find his rhythm, delivering a series of high kicks and punches. However, Usman, showing no signs of rust after his layoff, executed another successful takedown just under two minutes into the round. Again, Usman established top control, working to damage Buckley with strikes, although he briefly lost the mount position. Despite Buckley’s efforts to stay competitive, Usman clearly took both the first and second rounds.
Entering the third round, Buckley needed a shift in momentum to turn the tides of the fight. He opened the round with a flurry of strikes, including outside leg kicks and left hooks. While Buckley connected multiple times in the early part of the round, Usman’s game plan remained effective. Midway through the round, Usman landed yet another takedown, marking his third of the fight. Buckley, already cut and bloodied, struggled to escape from Usman's dominant position.
Heading into the fourth round, it was apparent that Buckley trailed on the scorecards, likely down 3-0. He managed a burst of activity early on, including an uppercut to Usman's body. Despite his best effort to stay mobile and engage on the feet, Usman’s experience and strategy shone through as he took the fight back to the ground once again. Buckley’s corner urged him to maintain composure and strategize, as it was clear he needed a finish to secure victory.
In the fifth and final round, with urgency in the air, Buckley came out aggressively. He aimed to land anything that could turn the fight in his favor, landing a few punches, including a solid left hook. However, Usman stood firm, countering with effective jabs. When Usman attempted another takedown, Buckley showcased his improved wrestling defense, successfully keeping the fight standing momentarily. As the final minute approached, Buckley launched another series of punches but could not find a clean finish before the bout concluded.
When the final horn sounded, it was clear that despite Buckley’s spirited effort in the last round, Kamaru Usman had decisively won the fight, dominating across five rounds with superior wrestling and striking. The official judges scored the match unanimously in favor of Usman, with final scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
This impressive performance reestablishes Kamaru Usman as a force in the welterweight division, while Joaquin Buckley, despite the loss, continues to showcase his potential as a formidable contender. UFC Atlanta proved to be a memorable night, highlighting Usman's resilience and skill in a critical moment of his career.
