Kamaru Usman’s Crossroads Moment: Can the Former Champ Silence Doubters Against Rising Star Joaquin Buckley?
The fight game waits for no man, not even former champions. As UFC Atlanta approaches, all eyes are turning to a compelling welterweight clash that could determine whether one of the division’s greatest ever still has what it takes to compete at the highest level.
Kamaru Usman, the former welterweight king who once seemed unstoppable, finds himself in unfamiliar territory – trying to halt a three-fight skid against the dangerous and surging Joaquin Buckley.
A Champion at the Crossroads
I’ve been covering MMA for years, and there’s something particularly fascinating about watching former champions navigate the latter stages of their careers. Usman’s situation feels especially poignant given how dominant he once was.
After rattling off 15 consecutive UFC victories and defending his title five times, Usman has now dropped three straight – the devastating KO loss to Leon Edwards that cost him his belt, the razor-close decision in their trilogy fight, and most recently falling short against Belal Muhammad.
At 37, the whispers have begun. Has Father Time caught up to “The Nigerian Nightmare”? Or does the former pound-for-pound king still have the tools to reassert himself as a contender?
Buckley: The Danger of Rising Momentum
If the UFC wanted to give Usman a soft touch to rebuild confidence, they certainly didn’t do him any favors. Joaquin Buckley enters this contest riding a three-fight win streak, looking increasingly dangerous with each outing.
The explosive striker known for his viral knockout of Impa Kasanganay has evolved into a more complete fighter, adding improved wrestling and patience to his already potent offensive arsenal.
Most recently, Buckley dispatched veteran Nursulton Ruziboev with a second-round TKO at UFC 300, making a statement on the promotion’s biggest card of the year. He’s been vocal about wanting bigger names, and in Usman, he gets exactly that – a former champion with everything to prove.
Tale of the Tape: Experience vs. Momentum
| Kamaru Usman | Joaquin Buckley | |
|---|---|---|
| Age | 37 | 30 |
| Recent Form | Lost 3 straight | Won 3 straight |
| UFC Record | 15-3 | 7-3 |
| Fighting Style | Wrestling-based pressure | Explosive striking |
What’s at Stake in Atlanta?
For Usman, this fight represents more than just another payday. It’s about legacy preservation. A fourth consecutive loss would be devastating for a fighter once considered among the most dominant champions in UFC history. Many fighters have struggled to recognize when their time at the top has passed – Usman is hoping to prove his decline has been greatly exaggerated.
Buckley, meanwhile, has everything to gain. A victory over a former champion, even one on a losing streak, would catapult him into the division’s upper echelon and potentially set him up for a top-five opponent next.
You can feel the different energy surrounding these two fighters – one desperately trying to reclaim past glory, the other hungry to create his own legacy.
Keys to Victory
For Usman to turn back the clock, he’ll need to rely on the wrestling dominance that was his calling card before he fell in love with his improved striking. Against Buckley’s explosive power, shooting for takedowns early and often might be the safest path to victory.
Buckley needs to maintain the patience he’s shown in recent fights while looking for opportunities to unleash his power. If he can keep the fight standing and prevent Usman from establishing his wrestling game, his chances increase dramatically.
What the Matchup Means for the Division
The welterweight division is in an interesting place, with champion Belal Muhammad awaiting his first title defense. While neither Usman nor Buckley are likely one win away from a title shot, this fight will certainly clarify where each man stands in the divisional hierarchy.
For Usman, a win keeps him relevant in title conversations. For Buckley, defeating a former champion would be the perfect springboard toward the division’s elite.
My Prediction
Having watched both men’s recent performances closely, I’m seeing this as a more competitive fight than the momentum of both fighters might suggest. Usman’s wrestling remains elite, and despite his recent setbacks, his championship experience can’t be discounted.
That said, Buckley’s explosiveness and youth advantage present serious problems. I’m expecting Usman to have moments of success with his wrestling, but Buckley’s improving takedown defense and dangerous striking make him the slight favorite in my eyes.
Regardless of outcome, Atlanta fans are in for a treat with this high-stakes welterweight clash that could determine the future trajectory of both fighters’ careers.
Will You Be Watching?
UFC Atlanta is shaping up to be a card with serious implications across multiple divisions. Are you picking the former champion to turn back the clock, or does Buckley continue his rise up the ranks? Let me know your predictions in the comments!
Source: Bloody Elbow