‘Kamaru Usman is BACK’: Pros react to former welterweight king’s triumphant comeback at UFC Atlanta
Kamaru Usman turned back the clock to score his first win in over three years.
It was a vintage outing from the once-dominant welterweight champion as he used his wrestling to defuse the always dangerous Joaquin Buckley in Saturday’s UFC Atlanta main event. Buckley’s thrilling striking was rarely on display as Usman took him down to the mat and kept him there, dominating the fight as he did so many in his prime.
After four lopsided rounds—and a slightly shaky fifth—an emotional Usman had his hand raised once more. The win was a reminder of his greatness and perhaps a hint of what’s to come as the 38-year-old might have a few more legendary performances left in him.
Fellow former champion and podcast co-host Henry Cejudo was effusive in his praise for Usman, writing on Twitter, “What a return. Dominant and victorious. Kamaru Usman is BACK.”
Judging by the broad reception to Usman’s performance, Cejudo is spot on.
Check out more reactions from social media below.
What a return. Dominant and victorious. Kamaru Usman is BACK #UFCAtlanta
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) June 15, 2025
Master class from Kamaru. Reversing the age on everybody. He’s next for the strap!
— Henry Cejudo (@HenryCejudo) June 15, 2025
Congrats see you soon
— Belal Muhammad (@bullyb170) June 15, 2025
Usman most definitely still got it! #UFCAtlanta
— Randy Brown (@TouchNgo_) June 15, 2025
Something about these older legends turning back the clock is so wholesome. New mansa has nothing to hang his head over though, he’s still a future threat to a title in that division #UFCAtlanta
— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) June 15, 2025
Buckley showed tons of heart usman was just to szn in game mixed up very well
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) June 15, 2025
Usman wrestling is so strong. Buckley had his moments in the 5th but the wrestling got it done! Congrats legend @USMAN84kg #UFCAtlanta
— Stephen Thompson (@WonderboyMMA) June 15, 2025
The Tribal chief of Africa is back.
— Themba Gorimbo (@TheAnswerMMA) June 15, 2025
OTC of Africa.@usman84kg
We acknowledge you pic.twitter.com/XSqKzkVlN7
Great performance by Usman ! Buckley looked great just has to work on his wrestling. Always dangerous
— Chris Weidman (@chrisweidman) June 15, 2025
Most people cannot jog for 25 mins. Let alone fight; mentally and physically. Well done Usman.
— Jake Ellenberger (@EllenbergerMMA) June 15, 2025
Islam smokes em
— Kevin Holland (@Trailblaze2top) June 15, 2025