The middleweight division is currently ruled by Khamzat Chimaev, who has no plans to stay around 185 pounds for long. Chimaev has insisted that he plans to make a move to the light heavyweight division in the near future. So he could be done with the weight class long before the next crop of young talent starts to emerge as contenders.
To the “Joe Rogan Experience,” Rogan expressed his belief that there is one middleweight prospect who could take over the title long after Chimaev is out of the picture (h/t MMA Junkie).
“Ateba Gautier, this man is from Cameroon,” Rogan said. “Oh, he’s fucking terrifying. He’s 185 pounds, 6-foot-4, built like a Greek God, he smokes everyone. Everyone just gets smoked. Terrifying strength, super speed, great technique, everything. He’s good, man. He’s good. Super damn strong too. Very big for the weight class and super striking. … That guy is the future. He’s the future.”
Gautier’s next fight will take place at UFC 324 on January 24. It will be UFC’s debut on Paramount+ and Gautier’s opponent will be Andrey Pulyaev, who is coming off a final victory over Nick Klein.
So far in his young professional MMA career, Gautier’s record is 9-1. In his most recent outing in October, he collided with Tre’ston Vines at UFC 320. “The Silent Assassin” ended the fight in the opening frame.
Gautier has only gone the distance twice in his 10-fight career. One of those decisions was the only loss of his career when he dropped a decision to Glenn Williams. This was only the second professional fight in Gautier’s career.
It won’t take long for MMA fans to find out if Gautier can keep his momentum going in a big spot.
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