Ateba Gautier derrotou Jose Medina by knockout UFC Mexico. Photo: Reproduction/UFC News
On the UFC 318 preliminary card, Ateba Gautier took just 70 seconds to knock out Robert Valentine and secure his second victory at the world's biggest MMA event. The 23-year-old Cameroonian has been standing out with impressive performances and has even been compared to Francis Ngannou, as six of his seven wins came in the first round. However, his power comes from ill-advised experience.
At the press conference after the event, Gautier revealed that he had always been involved in fights outside of the professional environment, mainly on the streets and even at university.
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"I used to fight a lot, but it wasn't really fighting. I don't have much experience in competitive fighting. But I always fought in the streets, in my country. Even when I was in college, I fought there too. So, for me, it was normal. I wanted to fight, but my mom said, 'Oh, no, you can't fight if you don't have a college degree,'" said Gautier.
The Cameroonian explained that he studied physics to meet his mother's demands and prove his intelligence. However, he emphasized that fighting isn't for stupid people, but rather a conscious choice for those who enjoy the adrenaline rush and the constant feeling of being in danger.
"That's why I went to university. I studied physics just so she'd think it was okay, like, 'He's smart.' I'm not stupid, but fighting isn't for stupid people. I'm smart, but I want to fight. I like the feeling, the adrenaline, the way it makes you feel. You always feel like you're in danger. I like that feeling," concluded the Cameroonian.
Ateba Gautier knocks out former TUF contestant and scares the middleweight division
Middleweight prospect (up to 83,9 kg.) Ateba Gautier claimed another victim with the great power of his hands. Cameroonian and compared to Francis Ngannou, the athlete needed a few minutes to knock off Robert Valentine brutally. Despite provoking and asking for more blows, the Swiss fighter ended up paying dearly and had his health preserved by Herb Dean, who stopped the fight after seeing that there was no more contest.
Known as the 'silent assassin,' the athlete exuded confidence in his post-victory interview and assured that the only way to overcome him is by running. Gautier also highlighted his composure in the buildup to the knockout and explained that he knew he could stop his opponent. At 23, the Cameroonian achieved his eighth career victory.
Meanwhile, Valentin suffered his third consecutive loss in the organization and remains without a victory in the Octagon since being hired after reaching the final of The Ultimate Fighter. Known for his excellent grappling, the Swiss fighter was unsuccessful in stopping the pressure from the prospect and suffered his third knockout of his career.
Physical comparisons and trajectory bring Ateba Gautier closer to Francis Ngannou
The prospectus Ateba Gautier and former champion Francis Ngannou. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
As much as Ateba Gautier, Francis Ngannou also arrived in the UFC in explosive fashion. The former heavyweight champion racked up six consecutive victories in his first fights in the organization, all by stoppage. Besides his aggressive style, Ngannou resembles the Cameroonian prospect in physical build: while the heavyweight stands 1,93'2,11" and has a 2,06'XNUMX" wingspan, Gautier, who plays at middleweight, is the same height and has a XNUMX'XNUMX" wingspan.
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