Should Kamaru Usman consider retirement with potential loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta? Exploring ex-champ's options

Kamaru Usman is set to face emerging contender Joaquin Buckley in a welterweight matchup at UFC Atlanta. The two will headline the Fight Night event, taking place on June 14 at State Farm Arena in Atlanta, Georgia.

Buckley is currently on a tear, amassing an impressive six-fight win streak, with four of them coming via knockout. In his recent octagon appearance at UFC Tampa last year, the 31-year-old secured a third-round TKO win over former interim champion Colby Covington.

Meanwhile, Usman's last MMA bout was a short notice middleweight contest against undefeated contender Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294 in 2023. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' managed to put on a strong display, however, he fell short and lost via majority decision.

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Should Kamaru Usman consider retirement with potential loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta?

Kamaru Usman turned 38 last month and is eyeing to get back on title contention with a dominating victory over Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta this weekend. However, given his age, it appears like Usman will not be given any more opportunities if he fails to defeat Buckley, as the former champion's professional MMA career is nearing its end.

Another factor that should also be taken into account is top welterweight contenders like Buckley, Shavkat Rakhmonov, Ian Machado Garry, Sean Brady and Michael Morales are also vying for UFC gold. Moreover, former lightweight champion Islam Makhachev vacated his title last month and is now expected to challenge the new 170-pound kingpin Jack Della Maddalena.

Notably, former champion and UFC Hall of Famer Michael Bisping believes that Usman is running on a clock. Earlier this year, Bisping said in his YouTube video that if Usman loses for the fourth time in a row this Saturday, he should hang up his gloves.

''If Kamaru Usman loses this fight, will that be the end of his career?...However, 37 years old, hasn't been too active, and then if you lose four in a row, maybe it's time to think about walking away from the sport.''

Check out Michael Bisping's comments below (5:03):

About the author

Swagat is a dynamic MMA writer with a total experience of a little less than a year, which includes time in retail and sports journalism. He holds an MBA degree.

Swagat fell in love with the sport after watching the iconic grudge match between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 in early 2015. Nate Diaz holds a special place in his heart for the Stockton native’s entertaining fan-friendly style and ability to deliver exciting fights regardless of the opponent.

In terms of rule changes in MMA, Swagat advocates for making scores public after each round, adding transparency to judging decisions.

Swagat prioritizes accuracy and relevance while writing and conducts thorough research to ensure the content is fresh and reliable.

He enjoys playing football and painting during his free time.

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Edited by Swagat Kumar Jena