The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated former UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman following his return to winning ways at UFC Atlanta on Sunday morning.
Kamaru Usman, 37, secured a dominant unanimous decision victory over American opponent Joaquin Buckley, ending a nearly four-year winless streak.
Judges scored the five-round bout 49–46, 49–46, and 48–47, in favour of the Nigerian-American fighter, who showcased his signature wrestling, superior cage control, and tactical brilliance.
Reacting on her official 𝕏 handle, Dabiri-Erewa wrote: “Congratulations to the Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman, as he beats Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. Proudly Nigerian. Hearty congratulations.”
The post was accompanied by a collage of Usman’s fight moments and a throwback image of her with him in 2021 holding the UFC welterweight belt.
Usman wasted no time asserting dominance in the octagon, out-landing Buckley 16–0 in major strikes during the early rounds. He consistently dictated the pace with takedowns and cage control, reminding fans of his elite pedigree.
“It feels good. It’s been a while,” Usman said in his post-fight interview. “I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I can still do this at the highest level.”
With this win, Usman improves his professional MMA record to 21 wins and 4 losses, silencing critics who questioned his durability after battling injuries in recent years.
Addressing critics who have frequently mocked his physical condition, particularly his knees, Usman stated: “Everybody wants to get on the internet and talk sht, ‘Oh his knees, his knees.’ Well, shut the f** up. I can still do what I do.”
Despite a late surge from Buckley in the fifth round, Usman’s early control ensured a clear win, ending the American’s six-fight unbeaten streak.
The victory marks Usman’s first since November 2021 and could be the spark for a second run at the UFC title.
The former champion hinted at a renewed quest for gold, warning top contenders: “Those knockouts will come. The next one, whoever it is for that title, I’mma see about you.”
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