Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley: A Tactical Masterclass

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley: On June 14, 2025, former champion Kamaru Usman made his resurgence in the cage against up-and-coming opponent Joaquin Buckley in a crucial welterweight match at UFC Fight Night Atlanta. Usman demonstrated to the world that he is still a formidable opponent after almost two years away from competition by winning by unanimous decision after a fierce battle with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.

This five-round bout, which took place at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena, showcased Usman’s championship-caliber wrestling and poise against Buckley’s heart and explosive power.

 

Round 1: Usman Uses Elite Grappling to Take Control Early

Usman quickly asserted his dominance. He closed the gap, grabbed Buckley, and performed a smooth trip takedown in the first few seconds. After Buckley was grounded, Usman used textbook top pressure to control him, throwing body shots and short elbows.

The fight was statistically biased, with Usman controlling position for almost four minutes and outscoring Buckley 16-0 in significant strikes. The former champion’s stifling pace seemed too much for Buckley to handle.

 

Round 2: Control and Strategy Remain the Same

Usman stuck to his strategy in the second round, using his grappling prowess to neutralize Buckley’s stand-up threat. He worked from top position using positional advances and consistent ground-and-pound after landing another swift takedown.

Buckley’s defense of transitions was marginally improved, but Usman kept his offense neutralized. Once again, the former champion controlled the pace and positioning, demonstrating the disparity in experience and fight IQ.

 

Round 3: Buckley Responds

There was a discernible change in the third round. With a few sharp combinations and clean jabs, Buckley was able to find his rhythm on the feet. With brief bursts of the knockout power that made him a rising star, he had Usman backing away.

However, Usman, always the seasoned fighter, made a change in the middle of the fight and won another takedown. Usman immediately reverted to his basic ground control, halting the momentum Buckley had gained. Buckley’s spark, however, suggested that the battle was far from over.

 

Round 4: The Best of Buckley

Buckley’s best round was round four. Early in the round, he started to walk Usman down and landed flush hooks to the head and body thanks to better takedown defense. Buckley seemed to take charge, and the Atlanta crowd roared for a moment.

However, Usman dug deep and changed gears while bleeding a little from a cut above his left eye. Once again, he ended the round in top control after clinching, slowing the pace, and ultimately bringing the fight to the ground. Although Buckley prevailed in the exchanges, Usman had a strong finish.

 

Round 5: Kamaru Usman Completes the Purchase

Usman entered the final round with aggression, as the fight might still be in the balance. With incisive quips and surprisingly effective striking, he held Buckley accountable. Usman skillfully timed a level change and won a double-leg takedown as Buckley tried to go all out for a late finish.

From there, Kamaru Usman was his usual self: composed, calculating, and unyielding. He finished the fight in control, just as he had begun, by holding Buckley down until the very last horn.

The Return of the Nigerian Nightmare: A Psychological and Physical Challenge

There was more to this battle than a simple victory. After losing back-to-back to Leon Edwards in 2022 and 2023, Kamaru Usman made a physical and mental comeback. Many questioned whether he could regain his elite form at the age of 38 after a career marred by injuries and mental warfare.

Usman responded with five rounds of brilliant strategy. He demonstrated that he could still take a shot and change tactics in the middle of a fight, and his grappling remained at an elite level. This was a smart, calm, and commanding performance from a true veteran.

 

Joaquin Buckley: Losing Is Not a Shame

This bout against a UFC legend was a challenging test for Buckley. He gained respect even though he lost on the scorecards. He outstrike the former champion in a matter of seconds, took Usman’s best positions, and survived the wrestling storm.

Buckley’s future is still bright at thirty. He is a strong, athletic striker who appeals to fans, and this experience will only increase his threat level going forward.

 

What Will Happen to Kamaru Usman Next? Legacy Fights or a Run for a Title?

What comes next now that Usman has demonstrated that he is still a strong contender? The Nigerian Nightmare has some exciting options, even though a title shot may still be a few fights away:

Shavkat Rakhmonov and Belal Muhammad: These two top-5 welterweights make for interesting style contests.

Michael Chiesa and Stephen Thompson are two legendary bouts that might be the main event of a UFC Fight Night.

Go Back to Middleweight? Even though he lost to Khamzat Chimaev in his first middleweight fight, Usman might still think about running at 185 pounds, especially with less weight cut strain.

Usman’s stock is rising once more, regardless of his course.

 

Kamaru Usman’s Legacy Is Still Growing

Kamaru Usman adds another name to his already illustrious resume with this victory, improving his professional record to 21-4. With victories over Tyron Woodley, Gilbert Burns, Jorge Masvidal, Colby Covington, and now Joaquin Buckley, he continues to be one of the most dominant welterweights in UFC history.

What makes him unique is his capacity to adjust, outsmart, and outwork opponents. Usman is still a must-watch TV personality and a possible Hall of Famer even without a belt around his waist.

 

Conclusion

Kamaru Usman reminded the MMA community at UFC Fight Night Atlanta that championship grit, experience, and class never go out of style. Usman delivered a strategic and decisive victory over a dangerous and ascending Buckley.

One thing is certain: The Nigerian Nightmare is far from done, regardless of whether he pursues gold once more or decides to end his career with high-profile fights.