Joaquin Buckley remains optimistic despite losing to Kamaru Usman by unanimous decision at UFC Atlanta, expressing gratitude for the opportunity and confidence in his future potential.
Joaquin Buckley is keeping his spirits high. On Saturday night, he faced former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in UFC Atlanta’s main event, losing by unanimous decision. Tough break for Buckley, who was close to a title shot, but he’s not too disheartened.
“Look, Atlanta was good to us, baby,” Buckley shared in an Instagram video on Sunday. “We sold out the arena. It was a major opportunity for me to show up and show out. I believe I did that. Especially in the fifth round, we had Usman backing up, trying for takedowns. We stuffed every one. But don’t get it twisted. Even though my hand wasn’t raised, I still feel victorious.”
“But still, shout out to Kamaru Usman. You are truly a legend, truly a GOAT. Thank you for the opportunity to step into the octagon with you.”
He added, “Thank you, Atlanta, for selling out and being an amazing crowd. With that energy, I believe we can headline another event and really show up.”
“With that being said, I didn’t win, but that’s all good. This gives me time to take a break and work on some tools.”
“We faced a lot of pressure that night, but I feel privileged to have put some worries on Usman. It shows our real capabilities. I believe we’ll come back even stronger.”
“Hand wasn’t raised last night, but I am still victorious and will be one of the greats ☝️,” Buckley declared.
“This trip has been beyond amazing. I wouldn’t change a thing about my fight camp. Everything was perfectly planned; I just didn’t execute like I know I could. We wanted to land early damage on Usman, but he neutralized threats with takedowns.”
“But don’t get it twisted, Usman was more concerned about holding me than hurting me. He did what he felt was necessary to win. Congrats to Usman and his team. Excited about the welterweight division. See ya when I see ya.”
The loss was Buckley’s first since returning to welterweight in 2023. He had a six-fight winning streak before UFC Atlanta but now steps back in the crowded title picture. Usman, meanwhile, secured his first win since 2021 and is eyeing a shot at the winner of the Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev fight.