Usman Defeats Buckley at UFC Atlanta

Kamaru Usman defeated Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision (49-46, 49-46, 48-47) at UFC Atlanta, ending his three-fight losing streak and earning his first win since 2021. Usman controlled the fight with effective takedowns and top control, neutralizing Buckley's offense despite crowd dissatisfaction with his grappling-heavy approach. The bout was pivotal, as Buckley entered with a six-fight welterweight win streak and hopes for a title shot, while Usman sought to reestablish himself among the division's elite. Buckley was unable to mount enough offense to impress the judges or disrupt Usman's dominance. Estimated purses indicate Usman earned about $500,000 and Buckley approximately $120,000. The result delays Buckley's title shot and repositions Usman as a top welterweight contender.