On Saturday night, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman ended a three-fight losing streak by securing a unanimous decision win against Joaquin Buckley. The fight marked a significant moment in Kamaru Usman UFC comeback and boogeyman status as he demonstrated his continued dominance in the division despite past setbacks. His victory took place at UFC on ESPN 69, showcasing that he remains a formidable force in welterweight competition.
Addressing Doubts and Reasserting Confidence
Usman responded directly to critics who questioned whether he had lost his edge, particularly criticizing his physical condition.
“I know it’s a running joke,”
he said in response to the chatter about his knees, adding,
“Everybody wants to get on the internet and talk s–t. Oh his knees, his knees! Well shut the f–k up, I can still do what I do.”
His statement affirmed that he is far from finished and ready to reclaim his position at the top of the welterweight ranks.
Further emphasizing his determination, Usman declared,
“I can do that to anybody. Any one of them. Those knockouts will come, I just needed this monkey off my back. The rest of the welterweight division, listen — I have been and always will be the f–king boogeyman.”
This bold claim highlights his confidence to face any challenger moving forward.
Context of Usman’s Recent Career Struggles
Kamaru Usman’s last victory prior to this fight was at UFC 268 in 2021. Since then, he suffered a knockout loss against Leon Edwards at UFC 278 and then lost consecutive decisions to Edwards and Khamzat Chimaev. At 38 years old and with three straight losses, many observers questioned whether he could remain competitive at the highest level.
Despite those doubts, Usman controlled the fight against Buckley decisively. He landed 25 significant strikes to Buckley’s six and dominated the grappling exchanges. Buckley, the No. 7-ranked fighter in the welterweight division, was overwhelmed by Usman’s wrestling skills and precision striking.
Next Steps in What Could Be a Challenging Road Ahead
Fans and analysts now speculate on who will face Usman next, although a title shot against reigning champion Jack Della Maddalena appears unlikely at this stage. Granting a championship opportunity to a fighter with a recent mixed record could invite criticism, even for a fighter as decorated as Usman.
Instead, contenders like Belal Muhammad, who lost the belt at UFC 315, seem better positioned to challenge for the title next. Regardless of the opponent, Usman’s recent performance firmly reinstates him as a key player within the welterweight division.
The Impact of Usman’s Comeback Victory on the Welterweight Division
Kamaru Usman’s win serves as a reminder that he remains a threat to the entire welterweight roster and reinforces his self-styled role as the division’s “boogeyman.” His ability to silence doubters while delivering a dominant performance indicates potential for renewed title contention and continued relevance in the UFC as he moves forward.