“Don’t Count Him Out Yet” – Fans Hyped as Kamaru Usman Makes Statement Win after Four-Year Drought

UFC veteran Kamaru Usman shocks everyone with a decisive win against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta.

“Don’t Count Him Out Yet” – Fans Hyped as Kamaru Usman Makes Statement Win after Four-Year Drought

Kamaru Usman beats young and hungry Joaquin Buckley (via X)

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UFC Atlanta had some incredible fights and also featured shocking moments that completely caught fans and fighters off guard unexpectedly. In the main event bout, former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman took on young and extremely hungry contender Joaquin Buckley. Going into the fight, Usman was considered the betting underdog, but executed his game plan successfully.

Usman was eventually able to turn the tables on Buckley using calculated wrestling and relentless pressure throughout. He won the fight via unanimous decision, earning his first win in four years since defeating Colby Covington previously. Since that victory, he had suffered three consecutive losses – twice to Leon Edwards and once to rising contender Khamzat Chimaev.

Usman returned to the welterweight division determined to silence critics and reclaim his dominance. From the opening bell, he disrupted Buckley’s rhythm using sharp jabs, feints, and strong cage control that limited striking opportunities. Despite Buckley’s early explosiveness, he struggled to stay upright against Usman’s takedowns and suffocating top pressure throughout the fight.

Usman’s cardio and experience allowed him to maintain a steady pace, frustrating Buckley and winning crucial moments in each round. Though Buckley had brief success in some exchanges, his lack of offense prevented him from turning the tide effectively. By round three, Usman had completely dictated the tempo, forcing ‘New Mansa’ to fight defensively and lose control.

In the end, all three judges scored the fight for Usman, marking a much-needed return to winning form confidently. With this decisive performance, Usman silenced doubts and proved he still has what it takes to beat elite welterweights. During his prime, the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ was an active champion and fans were truly hyped about his comeback win.

Fight fans react to Kamaru Usman’s win against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta

Going into the fight, Joaquin Buckley was on a six-fight win streak and was already looking past Kamaru Usman. The fighter had plans to run through Usman and fight the pound-for-pound king, Islam Makhachev, in a potential welterweight title bout. However, it seems like the American fighter needs to go back and re-evaluate his title opportunities.

Kamaru Usman gets emotional after beating Joaquin Buckley
Kamaru Usman gets emotional after beating Joaquin Buckley (via X)

Usman, on the other hand, performed incredibly well given his age and knee injury, which has often come into the narrative. Nevertheless, here are some reactions from the fight fans following Usman’s win.

Following the win, Usman was extremely emotional but proud of his ability to overcome such a challenge. During the octagon interview with Paul Felder, the fighter blasted all his haters with a befitting reply.

I know it’s a running joke. Everybody wanna get on the internet and talk sh*t. ‘Oh his knees, his knees’. Well shut the f**k up, I could still do what I do…The rest of the welterweight division, listen. I have been and always will be the f**king boogeyman.

Kamaru Usman via UFC Atlanta Octagon Interview

During the press conference, Usman shared his struggles to make a comeback and how hard he worked for it. He also played matchmaker and gave some ideas about the preferred fights in the division. The fighter also talked about him being the next contender and fighting the winner of Jack Della Maddalena and Islam Makhachev.

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