UFC star Kamaru Usman revealed that during his recent fight against Joaquin Buckley, he deliberately held back from trying to score a knockout after being haunted by memories of his past KO loss. On Saturday night, Usman returned to the win column with a decision victory over Buckley, marking an important rebound after three consecutive defeats. The former champion controlled most of the fight using his wrestling skills, but Buckley improved significantly in the final round.
Fifth Round Shift as Buckley Gains Ground
Throughout the first four rounds, Usman dominated by securing takedowns and maintaining control. However, in the fifth round, Buckley successfully defended many of Usman’s takedown attempts and showed increased effectiveness in striking exchanges. Despite Buckley’s efforts, Usman’s experience and persistence allowed him to secure the decision win inside the Octagon.
Usman Reflects on His Fight Strategy
Usman opened up about his mindset during the closing moments of the fight. He admitted that he had the opportunity to attempt a knockout but chose not to take it due to a vivid recollection of his own knockout loss to Leon Edwards in Salt Lake City. This memory influenced Usman’s decision to rely on footwork and control rather than engage in a risky knockout attempt.
“I’m not even going to lie to you, the last minute [felt long]. There was a minute in my head where I was like ‘He’s throwing so hard, that you can catch him and knock him out, right now’. What a statement that would be. You can knock him out right now!”
—Kamaru Usman
“There’s a minute left…and I’m like ‘Yeah, I know I can knock him out. But let’s go ahead and use this footwork’ [LAUGHS].”
—Kamaru Usman
What Lies Ahead for Usman After This Win?
Usman’s cautious yet effective performance against Buckley highlights his awareness of the risks involved in pursuing a knockout at all costs. The victory provides a pivotal moment for the former champion to rebuild momentum in his UFC career. Fans and analysts alike await to see whom Usman will face next as he seeks to return to title contention.