Joaquin Buckley is holding his head excessive.
On Saturday night time, Buckley squared off towards former welterweight champion Kamaru Usman in the primary occasion of UFC Atlanta, dropping a unanimous choice. It’s a tricky setback for Buckley, who was on the cusp of a title shot, however regardless of the loss, “New Mansa” isn’t too down along with his efficiency.
“Look, Atlanta was good to us, child,” Buckley mentioned in a video poster to his Instagram on Sunday. “We bought out the sector. It was a serious alternative for me to go on the market and present up and present out. I really consider 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’re really a GOAT. Thanks for the chance, for permitting me to have the ability to step into the octagon with you, and beauty me together 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 really consider we are able to go into one other essential occasion and actually present up and present up.
“With that being mentioned, I didn’t win, I didn’t get my hand raised, however that’s all good. This offers me time to take a break and actually sort of work on some instruments and work on some issues we’ve set to work on. …
“What we handled by way of that struggle, I actually really feel like we was up towards the world. However I really feel like we did an incredible job. … It was lots of strain that was on us that night time, however I really really feel privileged that I used to be on the market and capable of put some worries on that boy, had that boy sweating. It simply reveals what our actual capabilities are. I really, really consider 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 will likely be one of many greats ☝️
“This journey has been past wonderful and I wouldn’t change a factor that occurred in my struggle camp every little thing was completely deliberate I simply didn’t execute like I do know I might… we needed to land early harm on Usman and get him shifting again however he did a great job neutralizing threats with takedowns
“However don’t get it twisted usman was extra involved about holding me than hurting me on this struggle however he did what he felt was essential to win and so can’t be mad at him Congrats to Usman and his Staff and Francis Ngannou, I noticed message Excited in regards to 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 presently 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 struggle.
