Mohammed Usman, the younger brother of former UFC champion Kamaru Usman, made a breakthrough in his MMA career Saturday night by earning a hard-fought unanimous decision victory over Joaquin Buckley in his first-ever UFC main event.
The bout, which headlined UFC Fight Night, ended with scorecards reading 48–47, 49–46, and 48–47 in Usman’s favor — snapping Buckley’s win streak and establishing Usman as a rising name in the welterweight division.
“I’ve been waiting for this moment,” Usman said in his post-fight interview. “This is just the beginning.”
💥 Tactical and Tough
While Buckley came in with more knockout power and crowd hype, Usman controlled the fight with a smart mix of takedowns, cage control, and calculated striking. He absorbed Buckley’s early pressure and wore him down as the rounds progressed.
Usman, now 11–2, showed marked improvements in fight IQ and cardio — areas critics had previously questioned. This victory not only extends his UFC win streak to three, but it signals his intent to break into the top 15 of the division.
📉 Buckley’s Run Halted
Joaquin “New Mansa” Buckley entered the fight riding a hot streak and looked dangerous early, landing crisp combinations and controlling range. But by the third round, his pace slowed, and Usman’s grappling edge became the story.
Buckley drops to 17–7, but his stock remains relatively high, especially considering the competitive nature of the bout. Still, the loss may delay his push toward title contention.
“I didn’t do enough,” Buckley admitted. “But I’ll be back.”
🧠 Usman Building His Own Legacy
For Mohammed Usman, this win is a defining moment. Known for winning The Ultimate Fighter 30, he had struggled to escape his brother Kamaru’s shadow. But with this gritty main event performance, the younger Usman is stepping out on his own terms.
“I respect my brother, but I’m writing my own story now,” Usman said.
📊 Fight Stats (Unofficial)
| Category | Usman | Buckley |
|---|---|---|
| Total Strikes | 102 | 87 |
| Takedowns | 3/5 | 0/0 |
| Octagon Control | 5:22 minutes | 2:14 minutes |
| Significant Strikes | 63 | 69 |
⏭️ What’s Next?
Usman called for a ranked opponent next — possibly someone in the #11–#15 range — and said he’s ready to fight again by late summer.
With a main event win under his belt, his stock is rising fast, and UFC matchmakers will no doubt take notice.