Kamaru Usman points to 'new Ngannou' as future big name in UFC: 'Impressive'

Kamaru Usman is a former UFC welterweight champion. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram

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Kamaru Usman believes that the next big name in MMA will come from the African continent. The former welterweight champion (up to 77kg), who dominated the division for years, already admits that his retirement is near, highlighted a new talent who can continue the legacy left by African champions in the UFC.

During a Q&A session with fans, Usman highlighted Cameroonian Ateba Gautier as a promising name for the future. The Nigerian, who made history in the organization, compared the young player's early career to that of... Francis Ngannou, former heavyweight champion (up to 120,2 kg).

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"I think Ateba Gautier is phenomenal at the moment. He's had such an impressive start as well as..." Francis Ngannou”, praised Usman.

Kamaru Usman debuted in the UFC in 2015 and, after nine consecutive victories, won the welterweight belt in November 2018. His reign lasted until 2021, when he was dethroned by Leon edwards.

The African continent, in fact, has already produced great champions over the past few years. Besides Usman, names like Israel adesanya, who reigned between 2019 and 2023 in the middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg), Francis Ngannou, 2021 heavyweight champion, and Dricus Du Plessis, who reached the top of the middleweight division between January 2024 and July 2025.

Now, Ateba Gautier emerges as the new hope for this legacy. At 23 years old, the Cameroonian has accumulated nine wins and only one loss in his professional career. Within the UFC, the prospect holds three victories, all by knockout in the first round.

Physical comparisons and trajectory bring Ateba Gautier closer to Francis Ngannou

Ateba Gautier and Francis Ngannou. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage

Just like 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.