Usman Returns to Glory, Defeats Buckley at UFC Fight Night and Demands Title Shot
By Wafric - Sport
WafricNews – June 15, 2025
Atlanta, USA – Nigerian-born UFC icon Kamaru Usman made a triumphant return to the Octagon on Saturday night, defeating Joaquin Buckley in a dominant unanimous decision at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta. The win marks Usman’s first victory since 2021, ending a 20-month dry spell and reigniting his campaign for another shot at UFC gold.
Judges scored the five-round main event 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 in favour of the former welterweight champion, whose calculated performance reminded fans why he once reigned supreme in the division.
“I just needed to get that monkey off my back,” a visibly relieved Usman said post-fight. “Those knockouts will come. But tonight was about proving I still belong at the top.”
Clinical Performance by ‘The Nigerian Nightmare’
From the opening bell, Usman (21-4 MMA) set the pace, controlling the octagon and executing flawless takedowns. In the first two rounds, he outstruck Buckley 16-0 in significant strikes, smothering the American with his signature wrestling and top control.
Although Buckley, 31, showed flashes of brilliance in Round 3—connecting with sharp combinations—Usman quickly shut that momentum down with another takedown, one of four successful attempts on the night.
Rounds 4 and 5 saw both men trade shots, but it was clear Buckley was on the back foot. His six-fight winning streak came to an end, while Usman reclaimed the spotlight as a top contender in the welterweight division.
Usman, left, who was coming off a three-fight loss streak, dominated Buckley during the bout
Title Talk Resurfaces
At 38 years old, Usman is not done writing his legacy. Once considered one of the most dominant champions in UFC history with five title defences between 2019 and 2021, the Nigerian fighter made it clear he’s chasing the belt again.
“I could do that to anybody in the division,” Usman declared. “I still got those knockouts in me. I want my shot.”
Despite the loss, Buckley remained respectful in defeat, vowing to bounce back:
“We’re just getting started, baby. We’ll be back,” he said.
Other Highlights from UFC Fight Night
In the co-main event, former strawweight queen Rose Namajunas returned to form with a competitive but clear unanimous decision victory over Miranda Maverick (30-27, 30-27, 29-28).
In middleweight action, Edmen Shahbazyan nearly stopped Andre Petroski with a flurry of strikes in the final round, but had to settle for a decision win (30-27, 30-27, 29-28). It was Shahbazyan’s first back-to-back win streak since 2019.
UFC Heads to Azerbaijan Next
The UFC goes global next weekend, as the Octagon travels to Azerbaijan for an international Fight Night card. The main event features former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill facing ex-title challenger Khalil Rountree Jr. in a five-round non-title bout.
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