Former UFC middleweight champion Michael Bisping has expressed concerns about Kamaru Usman’s future in the sport, suggesting that a loss to Joaquin Buckley at UFC Atlanta could prompt Usman to consider retirement.
Usman (20-4 MMA, 15-3 UFC) is scheduled to face Buckley (21-6 MMA, 11-4 UFC) in the main event at State Farm Arena in Atlanta on June 14. This bout marks Usman’s return to the octagon after a three-fight losing streak, including a short-notice loss to Khamzat Chimaev in October 2023.
“If Kamaru Usman loses this fight, will that be the end of his career? I’m not throwing any shade,” Bisping said on his YouTube channel. “I’ve got nothing but the greatest respect and deep admiration for Kamaru Usman. He’s a solid human being, he’s an incredible fighter, he’s been a great ambassador for this sport. 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.”
Bisping acknowledged Buckley’s momentum, noting that the 30-year-old fighter is entering the bout with significant motivation. “We know Joaquin Buckley is coming into this one revved up. This is the biggest fight of his career. They always are, by the way. But this one is the big one. This one is the final hurdle, this is the one that gets him a title fight, maybe if he’s victorious,” Bisping added.
Usman previously held the welterweight title, defending it five times before his recent losses. Despite the setbacks, Bisping emphasized that Usman’s legacy remains intact, but the outcome of the upcoming fight could be pivotal in determining his future in the UFC.
