Welterweight contender Joaquin Buckley faced a tough loss against former champion Kamaru Usman in the main event of UFC Atlanta, ending the fight via unanimous decision. Usman showcased his grappling dominance, controlling the match for the majority of the rounds. Buckley fought back in the final round but it wasn't enough to sway the judges. Despite the defeat, he remains optimistic about his future in the sport, expressing gratitude for the experience. He acknowledged Usman's skill and emphasized his determination to improve moving forward.

By the Numbers
  • Fight ended in a unanimous decision after five rounds.
  • Usman controlled the first four rounds with effective takedowns.
State of Play
  • Buckley's loss broke a six-fight winning streak.
  • He plans to take a break to refine his skills after a busy fight schedule in 2024.
What's Next

Buckley aims to return stronger after focusing on enhancing his skills during a planned break from fighting. He looks forward to re-entering the welterweight division with a fresh perspective post-training.

Bottom Line

Despite the setback, Buckley remains positive about his career trajectory, emphasizing the importance of learning and growing from defeats. His resolve to come back stronger could be key in maintaining his status within a competitive division.