After losing three fights, Nigeria’s Kamaru Usman, at the weekend, returned with a unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. The former welterweight champion showcased his grappling prowess, controlling Buckley for most of the fight and earning scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47 from the judges.

He took Buckley down multiple times, landing ground strikes and showcasing his superior wrestling skills. Despite his striking abilities, Buckley struggled with takedown defence, failing to counter Usman’s grappling attacks effectively.

The audience booed at times, seemingly frustrated with the fight’s pace, but Usman’s dominance ultimately shone through. This win marks a significant comeback for the Edo State-born Usman, who had lost three consecutive fights prior to this bout. The victory sets him up for potential future title contention in the welterweight division.