Kamaru Usman’s Comeback: Can He Reclaim His Spot Among the Welterweight Elite Against Joaquin Buckley?

By Ali Hammad June 12, 2025 09:33

Kamaru Usman’s return to the Octagon on June 14, 2025, against Joaquin Buckley at UFC Fight Night in Atlanta marks a pivotal moment in the former welterweight champion’s career. After a 19-month hiatus and a recent three-fight losing streak, Usman is determined to reclaim his status among the welterweight elite. Meanwhile, Buckley arrives on a career-best six-fight winning streak, making this matchup a true crossroads fight for both fighters.

Usman’s reign as welterweight champion was historic, cementing his legacy as the second-best welterweight ever behind Georges St-Pierre. His dominance included a 15-fight winning streak and multiple title defenses before setbacks against Leon Edwards (twice) and Khamzat Chimaev stalled his momentum. The 38-year-old “Nigerian Nightmare” has been recovering from nagging injuries since his last fight in October 2023 and is eager to prove he remains a formidable force in the division.

In a recent interview, Usman expressed his ambitions clearly: “I think with a finish over Buckley this weekend, I’ll be next in line for that shot. If you really look at the division and the landscape of where we are with the UFC, I don’t mean to sound some type of way, but I think as far as looking for the biggest name and the biggest fighter in that division, it’s me. So, yeah, I think we fight for the title next. I win that title and look to get a defense, probably next year.” His confidence underscores the stakes of this bout not just a comeback win but a direct path back to the championship.

Joaquin Buckley, 32, has emerged as one of the most exciting contenders in the welterweight division. After dropping from middleweight to welterweight in 2022, Buckley has gone undefeated in six fights at 170 pounds, including highlight-reel knockouts of former interim champion Colby Covington and veteran Stephen Thompson. His striking volume and power have made him a fan favorite and a legitimate threat to Usman’s grappling-heavy style.

Buckley’s confidence is palpable. “I really feel like I put people on notice when it comes to the 170 division,” he said. “I don’t care what nobody say, nobody says my name. Everybody wants to talk about these other guys being the boogeyman, but no one mentions my name. As you see me start to climb the ranks and fighting these interim champions like Colby, a former champion in Kamaru Usman, and the performance I feel like I’m going to do on him, before you know it, it doesn’t even matter about people calling me out or not, they’re going to have to fight me because I’m going to have that belt around my waist.”

The fight promises a classic stylistic clash: Usman’s relentless wrestling and control versus Buckley’s dynamic striking and knockout power. Experts and fans alike are eager to see if Usman’s experience and championship pedigree can withstand Buckley’s momentum and hunger.

While Usman is the underdog on paper due to his recent losses and layoff, many believe his championship mindset and fight IQ give him an edge. Conversely, Buckley’s youth and recent form make him a dangerous opponent capable of ending the fight at any moment.

Kamaru Usman vs. Joaquin Buckley is more than just a fight it’s a defining moment for both men. Usman aims to silence doubters and reclaim his spot atop the welterweight division, while Buckley seeks to cement himself as the division’s next champion. The outcome will shape the welterweight landscape and set the tone for the UFC’s 2025 season. Fans can expect a thrilling, high-stakes battle when these two warriors collide in Atlanta.