Joaquin Buckley is holding his head excessive.
On Saturday night time, Buckley squared off in opposition to former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the principle occasion of UFC Atlanta, dropping a unanimous determination. It’s a troublesome setback for Buckley, who was on the cusp of a title shot, however regardless of the loss, “New Mansa” isn’t too down together with his efficiency.
“Look, Atlanta was good to us, child,” Buckley stated in a video poster to his Instagram on Sunday. “We bought out the sector. It was a significant alternative for me to go on the market and present up and present out. I actually imagine I did that. Particularly within the fifth spherical, we had Usman backing up, making an attempt to get these takedowns. We stuffed each one. However don’t get it twisted. Regardless that my hand was not raised, I nonetheless really feel victorious.
“However nonetheless, shout out to Kamaru Usman. You’re really a legend, you might be really a GOAT. Thanks for the chance, for permitting me to have the ability to step into the octagon with you, and style me along with your presence.
“I simply actually needed to say thanks, Atlanta, for coming out and promoting out, and actually being a tremendous crowd, as a result of with that vitality and with that love, I actually imagine we are able to go into one other primary occasion and actually present up and present up.
“With that being stated, I didn’t win, I didn’t get my hand raised, however that’s all good. This provides me time to take a break and actually type of work on some instruments and work on some issues we’ve set to work on. …
“What we handled by that battle, I actually really feel like we was up in opposition to the world. However I really feel like we did a fantastic job. … It was quite a lot of stress that was on us that night time, however I actually really feel privileged that I used to be on the market and in a position to put some worries on that boy, had that boy sweating. It simply exhibits what our actual capabilities are. I actually, really imagine we’re going to take this time and get higher and are available again even stronger.”
“Hand wasn’t raised final night time however I’m nonetheless victorious and shall be one of many greats ☝️
“This journey has been past superb and I wouldn’t change a factor that occurred in my battle camp all the things was completely deliberate I simply didn’t execute like I do know I may… we needed to land early injury on Usman and get him transferring again however he did a very good job neutralizing threats with takedowns
“However don’t get it twisted usman was extra involved about holding me than hurting me on this battle however he did what he felt was essential to win and so can’t be mad at him Congrats to Usman and his Workforce and Francis Ngannou, I noticed message Excited concerning the welterweight division See ya once I see ya ”
The loss was Buckley’s first since returning to the welterweight division in 2023. He had amassed a six-fight successful streak earlier than UFC Atlanta, however now drops again within the at present crowded welterweight title image. Usman, in the meantime, picked up his first win since 2021, and afterwards lobbied for a shot on the winner of the deliberate Jack Della Maddalena vs. Islam Makhachev title battle.
