Dabiri‑Erewa Congratulates Usman on Triumphant UFC Comeback Win

The Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission, Abike Dabiri-Erewa, has congratulated Kamaru Usman following his emphatic return to winning ways at UFC Atlanta, where he defeated American Joaquin Buckley via unanimous decision.

Dabiri-Erewa celebrated Usman’s victory on X, posting:

“Congratulations to the Nigerian Nightmare, Kamaru Usman, as he beats Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta. Proudly Nigerian. Hearty congratulations.”

The post was accompanied by images from the fight and a photo of both figures holding the welterweight title belt during his 2021 reign.

Usman, 37, had not won a fight since November 2021 and was on a three-fight losing streak, but he dominated Buckley across five rounds. The judges scored it 49–46, 49–46, and 48–47 in Usman’s favour.

He controlled the fight with his signature wrestling, takedowns, and tactical movement—out-landing Buckley 16–0 in significant strikes early on.

“It feels good. It’s been a while,” Usman said in his post-fight interview.
“I needed to get that monkey off my back. I know I’m still able to do this at the highest level.”

Now boasting a 21–4 professional record, Usman used the moment to respond to ongoing criticisms about his durability, particularly those concerning his knees:

“Everybody wants to get on the internet and talk sht, ‘Oh his knees, his knees.’ Well, shut the f** up. I can still do what I do.”

Usman’s win may set the stage for another title push. Despite Buckley’s fifth-round resurgence, the Nigerian-American’s dominance early in the bout kept the outcome secure.

“Those knockouts will come. The next one, whoever it is for that title, I’mma see about you,” he said confidently.

He also thanked his supporters and acknowledged personal struggles, including his daughter’s absence at the event.

“It’s been a long time. A lot of emotions… I’m holding back all the emotions.”