At UFC Atlanta, Kamaru Usman made a powerful statement, reminding everyone he’s still the boogeyman of the welterweight division. His dominant performance shocked many, especially his opponent Joaquin Buckley. Few expected the ‘Nigerian Nightmare’ to return with such force, and Buckley was left feeling humiliated by the outcome. In the aftermath, the ‘Newmansa’ opened up about his disappointment, admitting he felt embarrassed by how the fight played out and how easily Usman controlled him.
Buckley expressed deep embarrassment and humiliation after his loss to Usman. He struggled throughout the fight as Usman repeatedly took him down and controlled him on the ground, leaving Buckley unable to get back to his feet. He looked to the referee for a stand-up that never came, which added to his frustration. Buckley acknowledged that the fight revealed the true skill levels involved, showing him just how tough the competition really is.
“I’m looking at Mike Beltran, bro, stand us up at least one time. I feel so embarrassed and humiliated because of that loss. Usman showed me who he was. That night really showed it’s levels to this game,” he said.
Joaquin Buckley says he feels embarrassed and humiliated by the loss to Usman 😞🥊
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) June 19, 2025
"Every round he took me down, kept me there — I couldn’t get back up to my feet. I’m looking at Mike Beltran, bro, stand us up at least one time. I feel so embarrassed and humiliated because of… pic.twitter.com/qXJFGLlufC
Joaquin Buckley Says UFC Surprise Was Pulled After Loss To Kamaru Usman
Buckley recently revealed that UFC executive Hunter Campbell promised him a reward if he managed to knock out Usman. This unexpected revelation caught Usman off guard and added an extra layer of intrigue to their bout. While ‘Newmansa’ was clearly motivated by the potential bonus, Usman responded with dominance inside the cage. The statement not only highlighted the stakes behind the scenes but also showed how much confidence the UFC had in Buckley’s finishing ability.
Indeed, if Buckley had won, he would have earned the next title shot. His performance leading up to the fight had built serious momentum, and a victory would have solidified his place among the division’s top contenders. The UFC loves exciting fighters, and Buckley’s explosive style made him a fan favorite.
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