ATLANTA — Kamaru Usman is back, just as if he never left.
The former UFC welterweight champion strolled into the UFC Atlanta on Saturday on the heels of a career-long 20-month layoff and three-fight losing skid that dated back to 2022. Yet tasked with surging top contender Joaquin Buckley, Usman showed no signs of slowing down at age 38, winning a one-sided unanimous decision.
Speaking after the win, Usman described the performance as his "y'all must have forgot" moment.
"I know it's been a while," Usman said, "and after the last one [against Khamzat Chimaev], going up against a young, strong, hungry guy, one of the most dangerous and terrifying guys — I was dealing with some things going into that one, but I took the fight with short notice. And because of that fight, it's almost like they forgot I could f***ing wrestle, and they got dismissive and borderline disrespectful. So I just had to pull out the skill and just let them know, 'Hey, respect every aspect of my game.'"
Usman made his ambitions clear during fight week — and that was to claim another title before his time is up. Obviously that goal starts with his old welterweight strap, which is now in the possession of Jack Della Maddalena.
The new champion will have his work cut out for him in his first title defense, as Della Maddalena is expected to face now-former lightweight king — and Uncrowned's No. 1-ranked pound-for-pound fighter — Islam Makhachev sometime in the second half of 2025.
While the fight has yet to be made official, Usman is expecting it to unfold, and he wants to challenge the winner.
"I only had to really use one skill tonight, and everyone knows I can knock you out with my hands," Usman said. "But if you're going to give me that [takedown], I'm going to take it. So let's be honest — I'm the biggest [name] in the division. This is about entertainment. The UFC is an entertainment company. You want to make the biggest fight? It's going to be [me versus] the winner of 'JDM' and Islam.
"If Islam pulls that one out, former pound-for-pound [versus] current pound-for-pound — who doesn't pay for that?
"I was able to come in there and really utilize one skill," Usman continued, "but hey, I still possess what it takes to be the best in this division. It's only up from here."
Congrats to my brother @USMAN84kg for his amazing victory last night. It's inspiring to see him do that after all he's been through lately.
Congrats to @Newmansa94 on his impressive performance. That round 5! 🔥😱 pic.twitter.com/9BPh1uBg0h
For Usman, while the prospect of a Makhachev matchup is understandably more enticing than the young-gun champion from Australia, he's not doubting Della Maddalena's chance to pull off an upset.
"'JDM' is no slouch, let's not look past 'JDM,'" Usman said. "I said that in his last fight, and he went out there and showed you guys, don't look past him. He's very, very talented. Islam is extremely talented. I love Islam. I think him coming in makes that division a lot more interesting.
"So if he's able to get in there and wrestle that belt away from 'JDM,' current pound-for-pound [versus] former pound-for-pound, I think everybody wants to watch that [fight between us]."
Della Maddalena's bout to win the title came against Belal Muhammad in one of the best fights of the year at UFC 315 this past May. Long before Usman's title reign ended at the hands of Leon Edwards three years ago, Usman vs. Muhammad appeared to be a collision that was destined to happen.
With the UFC welterweight division as loaded as ever with fresh contenders, an Usman title shot doesn't feel like a guarantee despite Usman's confidence. So what about finally making that Muhammad matchup if the title shot eludes him?
Well, let's say Usman isn't too interested.
"Who? Who is that? Next. I forgot it," he said.
English (US) ·