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    Kamaru Usman Ends Losing Streak, Defeats Buckley in UFC Comeback

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    Nigerian UFC star Kamaru Usman is back in the win column after more than three years without a victory. The former welterweight champion defeated American fighter Joaquin Buckley by unanimous decision during the main event of UFC Fight Night held in Atlanta on Sunday.

    Usman, 38, won on all three judges’ scorecards with scores of 49-46, 49-46, and 48-47, putting an end to a frustrating three-fight losing streak. His last win was in November 2021.

    “It’s been a while,” Usman said emotionally after the fight. “I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I can still perform at the top level.”

    Usman, known for his wrestling strength, dominated the first four rounds with takedowns and ground control. He took Buckley down repeatedly and controlled the pace of the fight, cutting him near the eye with sharp elbows.

    Buckley, 31, mounted a strong comeback in the final round, landing heavy punches and forcing Usman to stay on the defensive. However, Usman’s experience helped him avoid major damage and seal the win.

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    Buckley’s loss ends his six-fight winning streak, four of which were knockouts. Despite the defeat, he remained positive, saying: “To share the Octagon with a legend like Usman was amazing. We’re just getting started.”

    Usman’s victory marks a potential comeback in the welterweight division. He was once the top pound-for-pound fighter and held the title for several years before losing to Leon Edwards in 2022. His most recent loss came against Khamzat Chimaev in a short-notice middleweight bout.

    With this win, Usman may now be in line to face the winner of the upcoming welterweight title fight between Jack Maddalena and Islam Makhachev later this year.

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