Kamaru Usman secured a much-needed victory at UFC Atlanta, marking his first win inside the Octagon since 2021. The former welterweight champion, known as the Nigerian Nightmare, overcame heavy odds and ring rust to dominate Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC on ESPN 69, earning praise from fellow African fighter and ex-heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou.
Kamaru Usman’s Dominant Return to the Octagon
Going into the fight, Joaquin Buckley was the favored contender, carrying momentum from a six-fight winning streak and standing out as a rising UFC welterweight. Despite this, Usman wasted little time taking control, utilizing his elite wrestling to neutralize Buckley within the first thirty seconds. By consistently applying pressure through takedowns and positional control — moving from half-guard locks to the top mount — Usman systematically wore down his opponent and imposed his fight plan.
Although Buckley attempted to respond with striking combos, especially early in the rounds, Usman’s physicality and tactical approach proved too much starting in the third round. The former champion imposed his will against the cage and on the ground, eventually winning by unanimous decision with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47. This marked an emphatic end to Usman’s nearly four-year UFC winless streak, a critical career juncture for the fighter.
Francis Ngannou Commends Usman’s Resilience and Performance
Francis Ngannou, a former UFC heavyweight titleholder and a member of the original “African Kings” alongside Usman, applauded his friend’s performance after the fight. Ngannou praised both fighters for their toughness and skill, especially highlighting the excitement of the fifth round in the contest.
Congrats to my brother @USMAN84kg for his amazing victory last night. It’s inspiring to see him do that after all he’s been through lately.Congrats to @Newmansa94 on his impressive performance. That round 5!
Francis Ngannou via X (@francis_ngannou)
Despite a notable split from UFC management in 2023 and the league’s reluctance to engage with him as CEO Dana White continues to hold firm, Ngannou remains a significant figure in discussions about super fights. His presence alongside Usman at ceremonial weigh-ins for UFC on ESPN 69 raised hopes among fans for his eventual return to the UFC stage.
Joaquin Buckley Reflects on the Loss and Welterweight Ambitions
Joaquin Buckley, who began 2024 with an 11-4 professional record, entered the bout after a promising start in the welterweight division. Previously competing at middleweight, Buckley had notable wins, including a knockout over Vicente Luque and victories against Nursulton Ruziboev and Stephen ‘Wonderboy’ Thompson. He also stunned the crowd with a TKO doctor stoppage over Colby Covington in Tampa, fueling expectations as he faced Usman in Atlanta.
Following the unanimous decision loss, Buckley expressed confidence in his potential and gratitude for the experience he gained from the fight. He shared his thoughts on Instagram, acknowledging the challenges he faced but affirming his belief in future success within the division.
Hand wasn’t raised last night but I am still victorious and will be one of the greats This trip has been beyond amazing and I wouldn’t change a thing …I just didn’t execute like I know I could… we wanted to land early damage on Usman and get him moving back but he did a good job neutralizing threats with takedowns…Excited about the welterweight divisionSee ya when I see ya
Joauin Buckley via IG Reels
Buckley plans to regroup and devise a strategy to climb back towards title contention, motivated by a strong start at welterweight and the valuable lessons from facing a top-tier opponent like Usman.
Usman’s Victory Signals New Momentum in the Welterweight Division
Usman’s win not only ends a personal drought but also rekindles his presence as a major player in the UFC welterweight title picture. His wrestling-heavy approach demonstrated that despite time away from victory, he retains the skill set and competitive edge to challenge current contenders and champions alike.
Francis Ngannou’s encouragement adds an emotional layer to this comeback, symbolizing a broader narrative of resilience and mutual respect between African fighters who have become UFC stars. Ngannou’s own legacy, marked by victories over Stipe Miocic, Cain Velasquez, Junior dos Santos, and Alistair Overeem, continues to inspire Usman and fans around the world.
Looking Ahead: What Kamaru Usman’s Future Holds
With this significant win, Kamaru Usman has reignited his UFC career and positioned himself as a formidable force once again. His dominant grappling and fight control suggest he could soon impact title discussions and potentially pursue another run at welterweight gold.
Meanwhile, Joaquin Buckley’s optimistic outlook points to an exciting battle within the division as he aims to redeem himself and return stronger. The competitive landscape in welterweight promises fresh rivalries and high-stakes matchups.
Francis Ngannou’s involvement remains a compelling subplot, indicating that UFC fans might see further collaborations or matchups involving these top African athletes. As Usman continues to build momentum, the welterweight division looks poised for renewed intensity and dynamic competition.