Kamaru Usman is set for a pivotal showdown against Joaquin Buckley in the upcoming UFC Fight Night main event. Following a hiatus since late 2023 and a streak of three consecutive losses, Usman is eager to reestablish himself in the welterweight division. Buckley, in contrast, enters the contest riding an impressive six-fight winning streak that includes four knockouts, positioning the upcoming match as a significant test of Usman’s readiness and skill.
Alongside his fighting career, Usman has made strides as an analyst, co-hosting the popular Pound 4 Pound podcast with Henry Cejudo since February 2024. The podcast has gained traction with over 100,000 YouTube subscribers, and it allowed Cejudo to grill Usman about his strategies, not just for the Buckley fight but for potential future matchups.
Looking Beyond Buckley: Usman’s Vision of Future UFC Encounters
Despite the ring rust and recent setbacks, Usman remained optimistic about his path forward. When prompted, he indicated that defeating Buckley would open doors to bigger confrontations within the UFC. Usman specifically mentioned a potential clash with Jack Della Maddalena, highlighting the appeal of returning to a large Australian venue such as the Marvel Stadium.
More intriguingly, Usman also expressed interest in a high-profile fight against Islam Makhachev, a respected current and former pound-for-pound champion. He acknowledged the commercial and competitive allure of such a matchup while emphasizing mutual respect and friendship with Makhachev.
“Once I finish Buckley, 100% a fight between myself and JDM (Jack Della Maddalena) would be huge,”
—Kamaru Usman
“Former pound-for-pound and current pound-for-pound champion? Who wouldn’t buy a ticket to watch that? I think it’s a blockbuster fight… I love Islam, of course. That’s my guy. And you know, Henry, like we’ve said before, like Mike Tyson let us both know, if that’s your friend and you love him, then you make money together. So why not?”
—Kamaru Usman
Assessing Usman’s Career Crossroads and the Stakes Against Buckley
Usman’s legacy is marked by a dominant reign as welterweight champion, where he defended his title five times within two years and ascended to the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. However, recent results have been less favorable, and at 38 years old with nagging knee issues, his physical condition is a key concern.
The bout against Buckley, an explosive and dynamic striker, represents a critical fork in the road. A victory would signal that Usman still has elite-level performance capability and could pave the way to headline marquee UFC events once again. Conversely, a loss could solidify a decline, placing his future with the promotion in jeopardy amid a highly competitive welterweight roster.
The UFC’s crowded and gifted welterweight division tolerates little underperformance, so Usman’s result at Fight Night may influence whether he continues fighting or contemplates stepping away. Regardless of the outcome, his status as a former champion and top-ranked fighter cements his place in the sport’s elite history.