Former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is set to make his long-anticipated return to the Octagon on Saturday, June 14, when he faces surging contender Joaquin Buckley in what could be a pivotal moment in his career.
Once considered the most dominant welterweight in the sport, Usman enters the bout on a three-fight losing streak, including a short-notice defeat to Khamzat Chimaev at middleweight. Despite the setbacks, Usman remains confident in his abilities and sees the fight as a stepping stone back to the top.
“I feel good. I’m calm, drinking tea. Very serene,” Usman told TMZ Sports in a recent interview. “I feel like I’m better than all those guys that are ahead of me.”
Usman: A Champion Seeking Redemption
Usman’s recent run contrasts sharply with his previous dominance. From 2019 to 2022, he reigned as welterweight champion, defending the belt successfully multiple times before losing it to Leon Edwards in a stunning knockout in August 2022. A rematch in 2023 also ended in defeat, followed by the short-notice loss to Chimaev.
Despite the downturn, Usman, 37, is not ready to fade quietly. He sees the fight against Buckley as a test of resilience and a potential launchpad toward another title run.
“My job is to get in there and let [Buckley] know something like, ‘You’re doing a good job, but you’re not at that level yet,'” Usman said.
Joaquin Buckley: The Dangerous Opponent
Standing in Usman’s way is Joaquin Buckley, a rising star in the division and one of the UFC’s most explosive strikers. Buckley, 31, is riding an impressive six-fight win streak, with recent victories over elite names like Colby Covington, Stephen “Wonderboy” Thompson, and Vicente Luque.
Known for his knockout power and highlight-reel finishes, Buckley’s resume includes two Performance of the Night honors and the 2020 Knockout of the Year for his viral spinning back kick against Impa Kasanganay.
“Joaquin is very, very aggressive. Younger, hungrier, tough guy,” Usman acknowledged. “Very explosive. And he’s pretty well balanced.”
A Battle of Momentum and Legacy
For Buckley, a win over Usman could solidify his status as a legitimate title contender. For Usman, it’s about legacy, pride, and proving he still belongs among the sport’s elite.
As UFC fans prepare for what promises to be a thrilling clash in Atlanta, the stakes couldn’t be higher. It’s youth vs. experience. Momentum vs. redemption. And for Kamaru Usman, it might be his final shot at climbing back to the top.
