Joaquin Buckley was left in disbelief after Kamaru Usman pulled off an impressive takedown during their UFC fight. The bout took place on Saturday at UFC Atlanta, where Usman made a triumphant return by defeating Buckley in the welterweight division. Buckley, though disappointed by the loss, maintained a positive attitude and openly praised Usman’s performance in a recent interview.
Just days following their fight, Buckley appeared alongside Usman on the Pound 4 Pound podcast, where he expressed astonishment at how Usman secured the takedown despite his knee injury. Buckley said,
You shot a beautiful double leg, bro. And I ain’t gonna lie, with you having no knees, it’s crazy, because you launched yourself like Superman. That’s crazy.
—Joaquin Buckley, UFC Fighter
The remark sparked laughter from both Usman and co-host Henry Cejudo, highlighting the respect between the two fighters despite the recent bout.
Usman’s Victory Signals Continued Dominance, While Cormier Issues Warning
The win solidified Kamaru Usman’s position as a formidable force in the UFC welterweight division. His ability to overcome Buckley demonstrated that he still possesses a high level of skill and resilience. Following this victory, UFC veteran Daniel Cormier shared his concerns about Usman’s future matchups.
Cormier has cautioned Usman to steer clear of certain rising UFC talents who could pose significant challenges, underscoring the competitive landscape Usman must navigate. The discussion around Usman’s next opponents reveals heightened anticipation within the MMA community regarding his career trajectory.
Next Steps for Usman and Implications for UFC Welterweight Division
Kamaru Usman’s recent performance confirms his status as a top contender and suggests he remains a dominant champion in the UFC. The praise from his opponent Buckley and strategic warnings from figures like Daniel Cormier indicate that the upcoming matches will be closely watched. Fans and analysts alike are eager to see how Usman manages new challenges and whether he can maintain his winning streak against emerging contenders.