Kamaru Usman Snaps Losing Streak, Defeats Buckley in UFC Atlanta Return
By IDNN Combat Sports Bureau
ATLANTA, USA – June 15, 2025
The “Nigerian Nightmare” is back.
Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman returned to winning ways on Saturday night, earning a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Fight Night at State Farm Arena in Atlanta.
In a performance that brought back flashes of his dominant title reign, Usman (now 21-4) overwhelmed Buckley with elite-level wrestling, brutal ground control, and veteran savvy to secure scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 on the judges’ cards. The win was his first since November 2021, snapping a career-first three-fight losing streak.
“It’s been a long time coming,” a visibly emotional Usman said post-fight. “I needed this. I still belong at the top.”
Vintage Usman: Wrestling, Grit, and Control
Usman leaned heavily on his NCAA Division II wrestling pedigree, executing takedowns in each of the first four rounds and pinning Buckley to the mat for long stretches while delivering elbows and short punches.
According to UFC Stats, Usman was 4 of 7 in takedown attempts through the first four rounds. Though the fifth saw Buckley rally and land big shots, Usman’s composure and experience carried him through.
The Nigerian-American now reasserts himself in the 170-pound division, and immediately enters conversations around future title contenders.
“That was textbook Usman,” said IDNN MMA Analyst Yemi Bankole. “Wrestling clinic, smart pacing, and mental toughness. He’s not done.”
Buckley’s Momentum Stalled
The loss ends Buckley’s six-fight winning streak, which included four knockouts. Despite a valiant fifth-round surge—where he landed thudding hooks and uppercuts—the damage done in the early rounds proved too much to overcome.
Still, Buckley was gracious in defeat.
“To share the Octagon with a legend like Usman… that’s an honor,” he said. “This ain’t the end. It’s just part of the grind.”
Usman’s Comeback After a Brutal Stretch
Before Saturday, Usman had lost three straight:
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Leon Edwards (x2) – including the devastating head-kick KO in 2022
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Khamzat Chimaev – a short-notice move up to middleweight that ended in a decision loss
At 38 years old, the fight against Buckley was being billed by pundits as a possible crossroads. Instead, Usman showed he’s still very much a force to be reckoned with.
With Jack Della Maddalena vs Islam Makhachev rumored for the next welterweight title fight, Usman could be positioned as a top alternate or next-in-line depending on injuries and availability.
