By Ebenezer Mabinuola
Former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman reestablished himself as a title contender with a dominant unanimous decision win over Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC on ESPN 69, held at Atlanta’s State Farm Arena.
Usman (21-4), returning to the welterweight division after two losses, executed a wrestling-heavy game plan, controlling Buckley (21-7) on the ground across five rounds. He secured four takedowns and landed vicious elbows, opening a cut early and maintaining control throughout. Judges scored it 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47.
Buckley, who entered the fight on a hot streak with wins over Luque, Thompson, and Covington, struggled to stop Usman’s takedowns but showed late-round grit, especially with a strong fifth round.
The win ties Usman with Vicente Luque for fifth-most victories in UFC welterweight history and pushes his career takedown tally to 63. Post-fight, Usman hinted at chasing the title again, potentially against Shavkat Rakhmonov or champion Leon Edwards.
On the undercard, Rose Namajunas and Cody Garbrandt scored unanimous decision wins. A bout between Paul Craig and Rodolfo Bellato ended in a controversial no-contest due to an illegal upkick.
Usman’s performance confirmed he’s still a major player in a shifting welterweight landscape.
