Kamaru Usman secured his first victory in over three years, delivering a performance reminiscent of his prime at UFC Atlanta.
Facing the dangerous Joaquin Buckley in the main event, the former welterweight champion displayed a classic, dominant style. He effectively neutralized Buckley`s renowned striking by consistently utilizing his wrestling to control the action on the ground, much like he did during his title reign. Buckley`s thrilling offense was rarely a factor as Usman kept the fight grounded.
After largely controlling four rounds and navigating a less dominant fifth, an emotional Usman was declared the winner by decision. This victory served as a powerful reminder of his capabilities and suggested that the 38-year-old champion may still have more high-level performances ahead.
The performance drew significant praise from fellow fighters and experts. Former champion Henry Cejudo, for instance, lauded Usman on social media, stating, “What a return. Dominant and victorious. Kamaru Usman is BACK.” This sentiment was widely shared among those who reacted to the fight, indicating a strong positive reception to Usman`s impressive return.
