In the world of mixed martial arts, long absences from competition often lead to “cage rust,” a phenomenon where fighters struggle to perform at their best after a layoff. Many legends experience difficulties returning after time away, yet some defy this trend with striking performances. This past weekend, Kamaru Usman delivered an impressive UFC comeback fight that has reignited hopes for his return to title contention.
Usman, known as “The Nigerian Nightmare,” returned to the octagon after nearly two years away, facing rising prospect Joaquin Buckley, who had maintained an unbeaten streak since moving to welterweight. Despite doubts about his age—having turned 38 in May—and recent losses, Usman controlled the fight over five rounds with dominant wrestling and effective ground work, surviving tough moments standing up. His performance reminded fans why he once reigned at the top of the welterweight division and has pushed speculation about his ability to regain the championship spotlight.
Kamaru Usman’s Return Amid Doubts over Recent Setbacks
Before this bout, Usman’s last UFC fight had ended in defeat, losing at middleweight against Khamzat Chimaev. Prior to that, he had suffered consecutive losses to current welterweight champion Leon Edwards. Usman’s last victory was in late 2021, which only added to questions surrounding his longevity in the sport. Still, his latest dominant showing against Buckley, a fighter many expected might overwhelm him due to youth and momentum, marked a significant statement about his resilience and skill.
The fight demonstrated Usman’s wrestling as the cornerstone of his strategy; he repeatedly took Buckley down and controlled the action on the ground, neutralizing Buckley’s offense. Despite some exchanges standing up that tested him, Usman’s experience and conditioning allowed him to outlast the younger opponent through the full duration of the contest.
Historical Perspective: UFC Legends Who Triumphed After Time Away
Usman’s effective comeback echoes the returns of several other notable UFC fighters who overcame long layoffs to reestablish themselves in the sport. One legendary example is Georges St-Pierre, widely regarded as one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history. St-Pierre’s 2012 return after an 18-month hiatus due to a torn ACL was met with skepticism, especially since he faced Carlos Condit, a top contender in formidable form.
Despite being off competition for a considerable time, St-Pierre dominated Condit throughout five rounds, recovering from a knockdown in the third to unify the welterweight title and confirm his status atop the division. His return underscored that extended layoffs do not necessarily diminish elite fighters’ abilities, particularly when they maintain discipline and focus during recovery.
Brock Lesnar’s Unexpected Return After Years Away
Another notable comeback occurred in 2016 when Brock Lesnar, once heavyweight champion, stepped back into the octagon after nearly five years away. Lesnar’s previous UFC tenure was marked by significant highs and lows, including wins over Frank Mir and Randy Couture, and losses to Cain Velasquez and Alistair Overeem. His health struggles, particularly battling diverticulitis, had led many to believe his MMA career was over.
However, Lesnar reappeared at UFC 200 against Mark Hunt in a fight viewed as risky due to Hunt’s knockout power. Surprisingly, Lesnar dominated the encounter with effective wrestling and control, achieving a unanimous decision. Although the result was later overturned due to Lesnar testing positive for banned substances, the fight nonetheless demonstrated his ability to perform well despite a lengthy absence.
Randy Couture’s Remarkable Performance in His 40s
While some fighters returned successfully in their 30s, Randy Couture offered a remarkable example of longevity, staging a shocking comeback in his early 40s. After retiring following a loss to Chuck Liddell in 2006, Couture surprised fans by returning to fight Tim Sylvia for the heavyweight title in 2007. Against expectations, Couture began the fight aggressively, knocking Sylvia out early and then controlling the remainder of the bout to reclaim the championship for a third time.
Couture’s comeback is often remembered vividly, not only for the athletic display but also for his post-fight remark,
“not bad for an old man!”
This moment secured his legacy as one of the most surprising and inspiring returns in UFC history.
Dominick Cruz’s Miraculous Return Overcoming Career-Threatening Injuries
Perhaps no UFC comeback has been as challenging as that of Dominick Cruz, whose career was repeatedly interrupted by severe injuries. Between 2011 and 2016, Cruz endured two torn ACLs and a torn groin, which limited his activity to just one fight during those five years. His return fight in 2016 against TJ Dillashaw for the bantamweight title came with low expectations, given Dillashaw’s dominant reign and Cruz’s prolonged inactivity.
Defying doubt, Cruz displayed the same fluid footwork and sharp striking that had earned him the bantamweight crown before his injuries. He managed to secure a narrow decision victory, reclaiming a title he never lost inside the cage. Although subsequent years saw further injuries, this victory cemented Cruz’s status as a resilient and skilled fighter in the 135-pound class.
The Impact of Usman’s Comeback on His Future in the UFC
Kamaru Usman’s recent performance adds him to a distinguished list of fighters who have made significant returns after extended absences. His decisive win over Joaquin Buckley has shifted perceptions, suggesting that despite age and past setbacks, he remains a formidable force in the welterweight division.
For fans and analysts alike, Usman’s display fuels speculation about his potential to challenge again for UFC gold, restoring the hope that his era of dominance might not be over. Given the examples of St-Pierre, Lesnar, Couture, and Cruz, who all defied time off to reach new heights, Usman’s resurgence may mark the start of a renewed quest for championship honors.
As the welterweight division continues to evolve with emerging talents, Usman’s impressive UFC comeback fight underscores that experience and determination can still shift the balance in a fiercely competitive sport. How he capitalizes on this momentum in upcoming matchups will be crucial in shaping the next chapter of his career.