Kamaru Usman returned to welterweight at UFC Atlanta, ending a three-fight skid with a dominant win over Joaquin Buckley, earning a unanimous decision and Fight of the Night honors, while Malcolm Wellmaker and Jose Ochoa secured Performance of the Night bonuses.
Kamaru Usman hadn’t fought at welterweight, hadn’t won, and hadn’t snagged a post-fight bonus in years. But at UFC Atlanta, he changed all that.
In his first bout since October 2023, Usman showcased dominance. He out-wrestled Joaquin Buckley for most of five rounds, earning a unanimous decision and ending a three-fight losing streak. Buckley found his rhythm in the fifth round, sparking some serious tension and earning both fighters a Fight of the Night bonus, with an extra $50,000 each.
This marks Usman’s second Fight of the Night award. He first won it in a thrilling five-rounder against Colby Covington at UFC 245.
For Buckley, it’s his first Fight of the Night, though he’s previously scored five Performance of the Night bonuses. Impressive, right?
Meanwhile, two rising stars, Malcolm Wellmaker and Jose Ochoa, snagged Performance of the Night bonuses. Wellmaker, now 2-0 in the UFC, delivered a jaw-dropping one-punch KO against Kris Moutinho.
Ochoa rebounded from a rough UFC debut. He demolished Cody Durden in the second round, finishing the fight just 11 seconds in. Talk about a comeback!