Kamaru Usman Shuts Down Doubts With Dominant Win Over Buckley At UFC Atlanta

After nearly four years without a win and increasing speculation about his decline, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman made a thunderous statement at UFC Atlanta on Saturday night.

In a commanding performance against Joaquin Buckley, Usman reminded the world why he’s considered one of the greatest welterweights in MMA history, as reported by MMAFighting.

Usman didn’t just win — he imposed his will. From the opening bell to the final horn, the Nigerian Nightmare put on a vintage display of the skills that once made him untouchable: relentless wrestling, punishing top control, and an unforgiving pace that smothered any hope Buckley had of gaining momentum.

“It feels good,” Usman said after the fight. “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. Sometimes, when you’re facing a young, hungry guy like that — very talented, very aggressive — you’ve got to rely on experience. That’s what I did tonight.”

Coming off back-to-back losses and a lengthy layoff filled with questions about his age and chronic knee issues, Usman entered the octagon as the underdog in the eyes of many. But when the cage door closed, it was clear he was still a force to be reckoned with.

“I know it’s a running joke,” he said. “Everybody wants to get on the internet and talk rubbish. ‘Oh, his knees, his knees!’ Well, shut the f*ck up — I can still do what I do.”

And he did just that. Usman controlled the fight from the outset, taking Buckley down with precision and keeping him pinned for most of the bout. He opened a cut early on and neutralized nearly every offensive effort from his opponent. Even as Buckley tried to rally late in the fight, Usman’s dominance had already sealed the outcome.

This wasn’t just a win — it was a declaration. After spending years at the top and enduring a rough decline, Usman wasn’t just fighting to protect his legacy. He returned to prove he’s still a threat.

“I can do that to anybody,” he said. “Any one of them. Those knockouts will come. I just needed this monkey off my back. To the rest of the welterweight division — I have been and always will be the f*cking boogeyman.”

Despite the loss, Buckley remained gracious, calling the experience an honor.

“I’m beyond honored to be in this octagon with someone known as one of the best,” Buckley said post-fight. “One of the GOATs. To go five rounds with him and put on a great fight — I’m just happy. I’ve come a long way, and you all see me here. This isn’t the end. We’re just getting started.”

Whether Usman’s performance earns him another title shot remains to be seen. But one thing is now crystal clear: the Nigerian Nightmare isn’t done — and the welterweight division has been put on notice.