Kamaru Usman halts losing skid with brutal win over Joaquin Buckley at UFC OKC

Kamaru Usman ends two-fight skid with third-round KO

Kamaru Usman stopped his losing slide on 18 June at UFC Oklahoma City, knocking out Joaquin Buckley in the third round.

Usman, the former welterweight champion, improved to 20-4 in the UFC with the emphatic finish. The Nigerian star dominated the stand-up exchanges before landing a brutal left hand that sent Buckley crashing to the canvas at 3:01 of round three.

What happened in the fight

Buckley started with a stiff jab and a takedown in the opening minute, but Usman adjusted quickly. The former champ used lateral movement to avoid Buckley’s power shots and landed crisp combinations.

By the second round, Usman’s volume had overwhelmed Buckley. He rocked the challenger with a left hook, then dropped him with a clean counter right. The referee waived off the bout at 3:01 of the third after Usman unloaded a flurry on a hurt Buckley.

Why it matters for Kamaru Usman

This win halts a two-fight losing streak for Usman, who had dropped decisions to Leon Edwards and Leon Edwards again. The Nigerian now eyes a quick return to title contention after back-to-back setbacks.

Usman’s stock rises with the statement victory. A win over Buckley-who had dropped a split-decision to Ian Machado Garry-adds credibility to his resume. The former champion remains a threat at 170 pounds.

What comes next for Usman

Usman’s camp will now push for a high-profile return. A clash with a top-five contender looks likely after this rebound. The Nigerian has not fought since his second loss to Edwards in March 2024.

Buckley, 16-4, drops to three straight defeats. His next steps remain unclear after another early finish loss. Usman, meanwhile, sets his sights on redemption in the welterweight division.