The Resurgence: Kamaru Usman Silences Doubters with Masterclass Against Joaquin Buckley

The welterweight division just got a serious reminder of who’s still in the elite tier. At UFC 294, Kamaru Usman stepped into the octagon with something to prove – and boy, did he deliver.

I’ve been covering MMA for years, and I can tell you this was vintage Usman. The former champion, coming off back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards, needed to show he wasn’t done. Against a dangerous Joaquin Buckley, he did exactly that.

The Nigerian Nightmare Returns to Form

Remember when Usman was running through the division like it was nothing? That version of the fighter showed up last night. Using his world-class wrestling, relentless pressure, and improved striking, Usman completely neutralized Buckley’s explosive offense.

“I needed to remind people,” Usman said in his post-fight interview. “I’m still here. I’m still that guy.”

And remind us he did. For three rounds, Usman imposed his will, securing takedowns at will and controlling the pace of the fight. Even on the feet, he looked comfortable against a known knockout artist.

What This Victory Means for Usman’s Legacy

Let’s be real – the talk was starting to build that maybe Usman was on the decline. Two losses to Edwards (including that devastating head kick KO) had some wondering if the 36-year-old’s best days were behind him.

This performance silenced those whispers. While it wasn’t a title fight, dominating a surging contender like Buckley proves Usman remains among the elite.

Here’s how Usman’s recent record stacks up:

Buckley’s Rise Momentarily Halted

You’ve got to feel for Joaquin Buckley. The guy was riding a serious wave of momentum with three straight wins since dropping to welterweight. His viral knockout of Impa Kasanganay remains one of the most viewed finishes in UFC history.

But this is the fight game. Buckley ran into perhaps the greatest welterweight since Georges St-Pierre, and despite his best efforts, couldn’t overcome Usman’s experience and skill set.

“He’s the former champ for a reason,” Buckley acknowledged afterward. “I’ll be back stronger.”

What’s Next for The Nigerian Nightmare?

The big question now: where does Usman go from here? At 36, time isn’t exactly on his side, but he’s proven he’s far from done. Let’s break down his options:

• Title shot: With his dominant history as champion, is he one more win away from another crack at Edwards?
• Belal Muhammad matchup: If Muhammad doesn’t get the next title opportunity, a fight between him and Usman makes a ton of sense.
• Shavkat Rakhmonov: The undefeated rising star needs a big name. Could Usman be that test?

I personally think the Muhammad fight makes the most sense. Two elite wrestlers with improving striking could produce a title eliminator worthy of a main event spot.

The Welterweight Division’s New Landscape

Usman’s dominant return complicates things in the best way possible for the 170-pound weight class. Just when it seemed like fresh blood was taking over, the former king has reminded everyone he’s not abdicating his position among the elite.

With Edwards holding the belt, Muhammad waiting in the wings, and killers like Rakhmonov and Usman still in the mix, welterweight remains one of the UFC’s most competitive divisions.

Can Usman Reclaim UFC Gold?

Here’s the million-dollar question. After watching last night’s performance, I think it would be foolish to count out Kamaru Usman from another title reign.

Yes, Edwards has his number recently. And yes, father time remains undefeated. But the discipline, fight IQ, and physical tools Usman displayed against Buckley suggest he’s still very much championship caliber.

Remember when people wrote off Glover Teixeira before he won the light heavyweight title at 42? Or how Michael Bisping shocked the world at 37? MMA has a funny way of producing these stories.

Don’t be surprised if Usman has another chapter to write in his already legendary career.

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Source: UFC 294 Official Results