Kamaru Usman: Nigerian Nightmare celebrates getting monkey off his back against Joaquin Buckley

The former UFC Welterweight Champion Kamaru Usman known as "The Nigerian Nightmare," made a resounding statement following his victory over Joaquin Buckley at the State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

After a nearly two-year hiatus from the octagon, Usman returned with a dominant performance, securing a unanimous decision win against a formidable opponent in Buckley.

In the post-fight interview, Usman emphatically declared, "The boogeyman is back," reaffirming his nickname.

This victory was particularly significant as it marked his return to form after losing his title to Leon Edwards in 2023.

Usman's performance against Buckley, however, dispelled any doubts about his ability to compete at the highest level/

Reflecting on the win, Usman said, “It feels good. It’s been a while, I needed to get that monkey off my back.

"I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level.

"Sometimes when you’re going up against a young, hungry guy like that, very talented, very aggressive, you’ve got to pull out the skills and use the experience. That’s what I did tonight.”

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He further acknowledged the challenge posed by Buckley, stating, “I expected him to be really, really tough, which he was.

"I know what it takes to work and get up in here. Thank you to him for bringing everything that he brought.”

Usman's win is part of a broader narrative within the UFC where African fighters have been making significant impacts.

With other African champions like Israel Adesanya and Francis Ngannou facing challenges or stepping away from the sport.

Usman's victory serves as a beacon of continuity and excellence for African representation in mixed martial arts.