Former UFC Welterweight champion Kamaru Usman is facing difficulties in his preparation for his upcoming return to the octagon.
Known as `The Nigerian Nightmare`, Usman is set to compete again after a two-year hiatus, scheduled to face Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta on June 14.
The former Welterweight king aims for a victory against Buckley, hoping to position himself for a potential title challenge in the near future.
Persistent injuries led him to take a break. However, despite this time off, Usman admits he isn`t feeling completely healthy just days before his fight.
Usman on His Health and Camp
Speaking about his upcoming bout against Buckley with SHAK MMA, Usman revealed that niggling injuries and a demanding training camp have prevented him from feeling in peak condition for his return to the UFC.
Usman stated, “Going through a training camp definitely makes you feel like you’re not healthy, I’ll tell you that. Getting punched and beaten up by training partners like Justin, Archie, and some of these guys definitely makes you feel otherwise.”
He continued, “But I’m just blessed for the opportunity to be back. I’m blessed to have another chance to step in, and I’m blessed not just to represent myself and my family, but also my instructors, my coaches, my training partners. So yeah, it’s a wonderful feeling to be back.”
Return After Two Years
This fight marks Usman`s return to the octagon after a significant break, and he is motivated to end his losing streak and climb back towards the UFC Welterweight title.
He took an extended period away from competition following his loss to Khamzat Chimaev at UFC 294, which was his third consecutive defeat.
Before the Chimaev fight, Usman had suffered back-to-back losses to Leon Edwards in 2022 and 2023, resulting in the loss of his world championship belt.
At 38 years old and with persistent issues with his right knee that might have forced a less determined fighter into retirement, his time as a top competitor is potentially limited.
Securing a win against Buckley at UFC Atlanta is crucial for his career trajectory in the UFC, presenting a tough challenge after his nearly two-year absence.
