Kamaru Usman is set to make his return to the Octagon this Saturday in Atlanta, marking his first fight since 2023. Despite not being fond of the grueling training camps, Usman expressed excitement about being back in the competitive environment as he faces Joaquin Buckley in the headline bout. The former UFC welterweight champion highlighted how the time away has given him a renewed appreciation for the sport.
Reflecting on Time Off and Its Benefits
During the UFC Atlanta media day, Usman spoke about the blessing of having time off to recover from injuries and recharge mentally. After years of staying extremely active as a reigning champion, the break allowed him to pause and reconsider his next steps in the sport. He explained that the downtime offered a chance to
“take a breath here and see what’s next,”
showing a thoughtful approach to his career path.
Unexpected Matchup but Strong Competition
Usman’s fight against Joaquin Buckley was not originally anticipated, as he acknowledged potential bouts with top contenders like Shavkat Rakhmonov or current welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena before this matchup materialized. Nonetheless, Usman emphasized his desire to return purely for the love of competition, praising Buckley’s work in earning the opportunity. The drive to test himself against a worthy opponent remains front and center for the veteran fighter.
Motivation Rooted in Championship Goals and Competitive Spirit
At 38 years old and coming off a three-fight losing streak, Usman revealed a dual motivation for continuing his UFC journey: the pursuit of the championship and the intrinsic thrill of competition.
“Being 100% honest, absolutely. Of course. I want to be champion. If you don’t want to be champion, what are you doing?”
he said, stressing that the goal of winning remains a key factor.
However, Usman also described a deeper feeling connected to the intensity of competition itself, one that he finds difficult to articulate yet profoundly motivating.
“It’s that feeling of working as hard as possible, as you possibly can and going out there and knowing that this man worked as hard as he possibly could, and you getting the best of him… that feeling is so addictive,”
he shared, emphasizing his desire to experience it a few more times before moving on to future endeavors.
Looking Ahead in UFC Atlanta
As Usman returns to action in Atlanta, his combination of championship ambition and genuine love of competition sets the tone for an intense showdown with Buckley. This fight not only marks a crucial step in his attempt to climb back to title contention but also represents his commitment to the sport’s demanding challenges and rewards. Fans and observers will be watching closely to see if Usman’s refined mindset can push him back into elite status within the UFC landscape.