Kamaru Usman dominates Buckley at UFC Atlanta, says ‘the boogeyman is back’ (1 Viewer)

[Kelvin]

Kamaru Usman reminded everyone why he's still one of the greatest welterweights in UFC history with a dominant performance against Joaquin Buckley in the main event of UFC Atlanta.

Usman leaned on his world-class wrestling, taking Buckley down in each of the early rounds and completely controlling him on the ground. He opened up a cut early and kept the pressure on, punishing Buckley every time the fight hit the canvas.

Buckley showed heart with a late surge in the fifth round, but by then, Usman had built too big a lead. The unanimous decision marked Usman's first win in nearly four years, a much-needed return to form for the former champ.

“It feels good,” Usman said after the fight. “It’s been a while, I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level. Sometimes when you’re going up against a young, hungry guy like that, very talented, very aggressive, you’ve got to pull out the skills and use the experience. That’s what I did tonight.”

He also praised Buckley for the challenge.

“I expected him to be really, really tough, which he was. I know what it takes to work and get up in here. Thank you to him for bringing everything that he brought.”