Israel Adesanya (pictured) after defending his middleweight title at UFC 271. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram @ufc_brasil
Ateba Gautier wants Israel Adesanya to recognize him as the new African representative in the UFC's middleweight division (up to 83,9 kg). The Cameroonian prospect, often compared to Francis Ngannou , remains undefeated in the organization, while the Nigerian is going through a difficult period with four consecutive losses. Given this contrast in their fortunes, the young fighter argues that a fight between the two would serve to define this transition of prominence.
In an interview with Full Violence, Gautier reiterated his desire to face Adesanya to prove inside the octagon that he is the new dominant name among African athletes in the category. The fighter emphasized that he seeks recognition not only through words, but also to earn respect through his performance, making it clear that he wants to legitimately assume the position by defeating the former champion in direct combat.
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“It’s me against Adesanya. I am the new lion now, but I don’t want him to say it. I want to prove it in fact. My Nigerian brothers, this is my land now, but I don’t want him to say it with words. I want your respect and for him to say that I proved it. Pass the torch to me,” said Ateba Gautier.
Israel Adesanya hasn't won since facing Alex Poatan at UFC 287.
Alex Poatan and Israel Adesanya face off in the octagon at UFC 287 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)
After being defeated by Poatan twice in kickboxing and once for the UFC middleweight title (up to 83,9kg), Adesanya had another opportunity against the Brazilian at UFC 287 , held in April 2023 in Miami. This time, however, the outcome was different.
After struggling with low kicks in the first round and pressure at the start of the second, the Nigerian surprised everyone by landing a precise counter-punch that knocked out his rival, regaining the division title against his former nemesis.
However, since his victory over Poatan, Adesanya has not won again. The former champion has fought three more times and was defeated by Sean Strickland , Dricus Du Plessis , Nassourdine Imavov , and Joe Pyfer , being defeated by unanimous decision, submission, knockout, and technical knockout, respectively.
Physical comparisons and trajectory bring Ateba Gautier closer to Francis Ngannou
Ateba Gautier and Francis Ngannou . Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage.
Like Ateba Gautier , Francis Ngannou also arrived in the UFC in overwhelming fashion. The former heavyweight champion racked up six consecutive wins in his first fights in the organization, all by stoppage. The young Cameroonian, on the other hand, has four wins, three by knockout and one by decision.
Besides his aggressive style, Ngannou shares physical similarities with the prospect. While the heavyweight is 1,93m tall and has a 2,11m reach, Gautier, who fights in the middleweight division, is the same height and has a reach of 2,06m.
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Read More about: Ateba Gautier, Francis Ngannou, Israel adesanya, UFC
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