Kamaru Usman’s return at UFC Atlanta was not just a comeback to the octagon — it was a personal resurrection. Once the ruler of the welterweight division, Usman had slipped into silence, defeated and sidelined, his flame seemingly fading. On that night, he chose not to fade away quietly.
Facing Joaquin Buckley, the fight wasn’t merely about rankings. It was a clash against forgetting — a test to see whether “The Nigerian Nightmare” could still dictate the rhythm in a division that moves fast and forgets faster.
From the opening round, the tone was unmistakable. Usman closed distance, took control, grounded Buckley with authority. It wasn’t just physical dominance — it was a mental statement: I’m still here.
The second and third rounds followed the same path. Usman gave nothing away. Buckley tried to respond, especially in round three with a few bursts, but each attempt was quickly crushed. The former champion wasn’t chasing a highlight reel finish — he was erasing momentum before it could begin.
The fourth and fifth rounds reinforced the pattern. Buckley survived, but he never imposed. Usman remained composed, calculating, suffocating. The unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) was not in doubt.
🦁 The Nigerian Nightmare Kamaru Usman dominates!
Wins by unanimous decision over Joaquin Buckley, cementing his welterweight throne.🦁 الكابوس النيجيري كامارو عثمان يهيمن!
ينتصر بقرار إجماع الحكام على خواكين باكلي ويؤكد عرش وزن الوسط بلا منازع.#UFCAtlanta pic.twitter.com/IgTDRu1Nnp— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) June 15, 2025
But beyond the scorecards, a deeper truth emerged: Usman didn’t return for one last run. He returned because he refuses to be written off before looking history straight in the eye.
🥶 كامارو عثمان يرسل تحذيراً مدوياً!
"اسمعوا جيدًا، كنت ولا زلت الكابوس الذي يطارد وزن الوسط (170)!"
هي رسالة لا تُنسى من أسد الحلبة.#UFCAtlanta pic.twitter.com/mq32SMCeGW
— mmamag.ma (@jamalsoussi10) June 15, 2025
Now the question lingers: is this the beginning of a new climb to the top — or the final roar of a lion unwilling to be forgotten?
