Kamaru Usman returns to winning ways at UFC Atlanta

Kamaru Usman — former UFC welterweight champion — proved that age 38 is no barrier to victory at UFC Atlanta. The Nigerian Nightmare defeated Joaquin Buckley, who is seven years his junior, by unanimous decision in a five-round battle.

This victory marked an emotional moment for Usman — a fighter who previously suffered three consecutive losses to Leon Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev after his last win in November 2021.

“I feel fine. I haven’t fought in a long time, I needed to get that weight off my shoulders,” Usman revealed in the press conference. “When fighting a young, talented and aggressive fighter, you have to rely on your skills and experience.”

The Nigerian Nightmare now aims for a title fight before retirement — hoping to face the winner between Islam Makhachev and Jack Della Maddalena.

“If Islam wins this fight, it would be great to see a former pound-for-pound number one against the current pound-for-pound number one,” added Usman. “Who wouldn’t pay to see that fight?”