UFC Atlanta bonuses and aftermath: Kamaru Usman dominates, Malcolm Wellmaker and three others earn $50K, illegal upkick causes scary moment, and more

UFC Atlanta took place on June 14 and played host to a clash between the new generation and the old generation in the main event. Kamaru Usman, one of the greatest welterweight fighters of all time, faced off surging contender Joaquin Buckley in the headlining bout.

'The Nigerian Nightmare' had not won a fight since 2021, whilst his opponent was on a six-fight win streak entering the bout. But Usman displayed exactly why he held the welterweight title for three years, as he dominated his opponent for almost all five rounds.

The former champion was awarded a unanimous decision win and proved he still belongs among the division's elite. His post-fight interview in the octagon was filled with emotions, with Usman having suffered some tough years before bouncing back emphatically. He said:

"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... I wanted to open up a little bit more. But that comes with time, so I feel good. I just want to say thank you to everybody."

Watch Kamaru Usman's interview at UFC Atlanta below:

UFC Atlanta also saw the emergence of a potential star in the shape of bantamweight contender Malcolm Wellmaker. In just his second UFC fight, 'The Monster' made a major impression by landing a one-punch knockout against Kris Moutinho, who is known for his durability against Sean O'Malley at UFC 264.

Wellmaker has won back-to-back fights in the same fashion, a crisp sweeping right hook that sent his opponent crashing to the canvas. He was awarded a $50,000 performance bonus for his efforts.

Alongside him, both Usman and Buckley received a bonus after being awarded the Fight of the Night. Jose Ochoa was the final man to receive a performance bonus after securing a second-round KO win over Cody Durden.

There was drama as well as knockouts at UFC Atlanta, as Paul Craig vs. Rodolfo Bellato, which headlined the preliminary card, was ruled a no-contest (NC) in Round 1. Craig had landed an up-kick to his opponent, believing Bellato to be on his feet. However, the Brazilian was still a downed opponent, and after being deemed unable to continue, the bout was ruled a NC.

But Bellato has been accused of faking being knocked out by both fans and fighters, with Craig offering his own thoughts on the matter following the event.

Check out the viral moment below:

Former UFC champion and bona fide superstar Francis Ngannou was in attendance for UFC Atlanta, with Usman captured greeting his friend while walking to the octagon.