Ateba Gautier
The Silent Assassin
Cameroon
Takes decision in surprising result
Gautier defeated Andrey Pulyaev via unanimous decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28) at UFC 324 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
It was an ordinary and mediocre performance from Gautier as a -1000 favorite. Yes, he landed a pair of knockdowns, won, and did so easily, but there are several causes for concern moving forward. Gautier slowed down in a major way throughout the course of the bout. He didn't defend particularly well and loaded up every single shot he threw. Of course, when you have elite, all-world power, you can get away with that at times. Still, if we learned anything from this result, it's that the 23-year-old has a ways to go and may not be fast tracked to the top as quickly as some might have expected.
It was an ordinary and mediocre performance from Gautier as a -1000 favorite. Yes, he landed a pair of knockdowns, won, and did so easily, but there are several causes for concern moving forward. Gautier slowed down in a major way throughout the course of the bout. He didn't defend particularly well and loaded up every single shot he threw. Of course, when you have elite, all-world power, you can get away with that at times. Still, if we learned anything from this result, it's that the 23-year-old has a ways to go and may not be fast tracked to the top as quickly as some might have expected.
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Fighting Pulyaev at UFC 324
Gautier will fight Andrey Pulyaev at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl reports.
ANALYSIS
Gautier has cruised to a 3-0 start to his UFC career since making his debut in March. His next test will come in the form of Pulyaev, who also debuted in March and has gone 1-1 to begin his time in the promotion.
Gautier has cruised to a 3-0 start to his UFC career since making his debut in March. His next test will come in the form of Pulyaev, who also debuted in March and has gone 1-1 to begin his time in the promotion.
Top prospect continues roll
Gautier defeated Treston Vines via KO (strikes) at 1:41 of Round 1 at UFC 320 on Saturday in Las Vegas.
ANALYSIS
Yes, it came against an opponent that accepted this fight just two days ago, but Gautier is one of the most dominating and physical imposing fighters we have seen in recent memory, in any weight class. He smashed Vines twice in the side of the head before tossing him aside and knocking him into to next year. Referee Marc Goddard was immediately on the scene to prevent any more damage. The UFC is taking things exceedingly slow with Gautier, but with three first-round knockout wins on his resume, the push is coming sooner or later.
Yes, it came against an opponent that accepted this fight just two days ago, but Gautier is one of the most dominating and physical imposing fighters we have seen in recent memory, in any weight class. He smashed Vines twice in the side of the head before tossing him aside and knocking him into to next year. Referee Marc Goddard was immediately on the scene to prevent any more damage. The UFC is taking things exceedingly slow with Gautier, but with three first-round knockout wins on his resume, the push is coming sooner or later.
Finds new opponent
Gautier will take on Treston Vines in a middleweight bout at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on Oct. 4, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Gautier was initially slated to take on Ozzy Diaz, but the latter was forced to pull out of the bout due to an undisclosed medical issue. A day later, a replacement has been found, however, as Gautier will now take on UFC newcomer Treston Vines, who boasts a 10-3-0 pro MMA record.
Gautier was initially slated to take on Ozzy Diaz, but the latter was forced to pull out of the bout due to an undisclosed medical issue. A day later, a replacement has been found, however, as Gautier will now take on UFC newcomer Treston Vines, who boasts a 10-3-0 pro MMA record.
No longer fighting Diaz
Gautier won't fight against Ozzy Diaz (undisclosed) at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on Oct. 4, Nolan King of USA Today reports.
ANALYSIS
Diaz is dealing with an unspecified medical issue and won't fight in Las Vegas, leaving Gautier without an opponent for now. It's unclear if the 23-year-old, who owns a professional record of 8-1-0, will stay on the card.
Diaz is dealing with an unspecified medical issue and won't fight in Las Vegas, leaving Gautier without an opponent for now. It's unclear if the 23-year-old, who owns a professional record of 8-1-0, will stay on the card.
Taking on Diaz in October
Gautier will fight Ozzy Diaz at UFC 320 in Las Vegas on October 4, per Marcel Dorff of Eurosport.nl.
ANALYSIS
Gautier will head into the bout riding a seven-fight win streak across promotions dating back to July of 2022. The 6-foot-4 fighter from Cameroon will look to use a slight reach advantage to take down the older American in this one. With a perfect 7-0 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, Gautier will undoubtedly be hoping to end this one early, though Diaz's 7-3 record in such finishes is certainly nothing to scoff at.
Gautier will head into the bout riding a seven-fight win streak across promotions dating back to July of 2022. The 6-foot-4 fighter from Cameroon will look to use a slight reach advantage to take down the older American in this one. With a perfect 7-0 professional record in KO/TKO finishes, Gautier will undoubtedly be hoping to end this one early, though Diaz's 7-3 record in such finishes is certainly nothing to scoff at.