Kamaru Usman secured his first victory in over three years at UFC Atlanta, delivering a performance that many felt was a throwback to his dominant reign.
The former welterweight champion showcased his vintage wrestling skills to effectively neutralize the dangerous striking of Joaquin Buckley in the main event. Buckley`s offensive weapons were largely stifled as Usman consistently took the fight to the ground, maintaining control and dominating large portions of the contest.
After mostly controlling the action through four rounds (with a brief challenging moment in the fifth), an emotional Usman had his hand raised in victory once more. The win served as a powerful reminder of his elite capabilities and hinted that the 38-year-old veteran might still have significant performances left in his career.
Usman`s return drew considerable praise from fellow fighters and experts within the MMA community. Former champion Henry Cejudo was particularly vocal, stating on social media:
“What a return. Dominant and victorious. Kamaru Usman is BACK.”
The widespread positive reception to Usman’s performance suggests that Cejudo`s assessment resonated with many observers.
