Former UFC welterweight champion, Kamaru Usman, bounced back from a three-fight skid with a unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta on Saturday.

Usman, known as ‘The Nigerian Nightmare,’ returned to the octagon for the first time since October 2023 and delivered a commanding performance against Buckley, who was riding a six-fight win streak, including a TKO victory over Colby Covington last December.

The high-stakes bout between Usman, ranked No. 5, and No. 7-ranked Buckley headlined the UFC Atlanta fight card at State Farm Arena. Despite Buckley’s power-packed record—15 of his 27 career wins coming by knockout—he couldn't overcome Usman's precision and pace.

After five intense rounds, all three judges scored the bout 49-46 in favor of Usman, marking a much-needed return to form for the Nigerian fighter.