MMA: Gautier Ateba, the new attraction of the UFC

After several weeks of interruption related to a change of broadcaster, the UFC is making its comeback in Nevada. In the lead, the main event will pit Justin Gaethje against Paddy Pimblett for the interim lightweight title. The evening was also marked by the co-main event between Sean O'Malley and Song Yadong. But on the preliminary map, another fight is already capturing attention. That of Gautier Ateba, against Andrey Pulyaev in the middleweight category (-84 kg). The fight was won unanimously by the judges by the Cameroonian.

A phenomenon from Yaoundé
Born in Yaoundé, Cameroon, into a family of seven children, Gautier Ateba discovered mixed martial arts at 17 years old. 

"I started training to avoid hanging out in the street,"

 he confided on the official UFC website. Professional since 2021, at only 19 years old, he quickly leaves his native country to join England and the renowned Manchester Top Team. He suffered a single defeat there, from his second professional fight, a contested setback that he still considers today as founder.

Since then, nothing stops him. Ateba wins several European organizations before revealing itself, in September 2024, during the Dana White’s Contender Series. His quick knockout of Yura Naito opens the doors to the UFC.

'The Silent Assassin', a profile tailored for the show
From the top of his 1.93 m, the Cameroonian impresses as much by his size as by his explosiveness. His extraordinary musculature is reminiscent of that of Dricus du Plessis, former champion of the category. But it is especially his striking that takes its toll. Eight of his nine victories were achieved by KO, including seven in the first round.

"I am rather calm, but in the cage, I am a killing machine,"

 he summed up soberly. Qualities praised by Joe Rogan, who recently spoke of his "terrifying power, dazzling speed and excellent technique". An aggressive and spectacular style that the UFC loves, and which explains the growing enthusiasm around the only Cameroonian representative currently under contract with the organization.

Not a 'mini Ngannu', but a fully-fledged Ateba
Inevitably, comparisons with Francis Ngannou arise. A label that Ateba accepts without locking herself in it. "I am not Francis. I am Ateba. I’m making my own name," he recently explained to RMC Sport. Discreet outside the cage, the Cameroonian claims a simple life, far from the glitz of Las Vegas. "I feel more comfortable in nature than under the lights," he confided to the BBC, he who has already been able to offer a home and a retirement to his mother who stayed behind.

How far can he go?
Still out of the top 15 middleweight, Gautier Ateba joins this circle after his victory against Pulyaev. The question is no longer whether he is talented, but how far he can push his ascent. Excellent striker, it has so far never been truly tested on the ground at the UFC. A parameter that could become decisive against the elite of the division, dominated by more complete profiles, like the champion Khamzat Chimaev.

"I respect everything he has accomplished. But when my time comes, it will be time to sleep," he confidently says.