Nigerian mixed martial arts star Kamaru Usman earned his first Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) victory since 2021 by defeating Joaquin Buckley in the welterweight main event of a Fight Night held at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia, in the early hours of Sunday.
Usman, nicknamed the Nigerian Nightmare, secured the victory in a unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) after five rounds, with his wrestling a key part of his success.
Usman, 38, patiently worked to avoid Buckley’s dangerous strikes and pick his moments to drive in for takedowns. Once the fight hit the ground, it was clear Buckley had no answer to his opponent’s technical skill off the feet.
Usman was able to score a takedown in each of the first four rounds. Each time Buckley was unable to work back to his feet. Usman worked ground and pound, and although the fight was never in danger of being finished, Usman was able to put himself well ahead on points.
“It feels good. It’s been a while,” Usman said after picking up his first win since losing the welterweight title to Leon Edwards in August 2022.
“I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level. You have to pull off the skills and use the experience. I feel good.”
The result against Buckley takes Usman’s UFC record to 22 wins and four losses in 26 fights.
