22-year-old 'killer' backed to win world title following brutal KO win in UFC Mexico City debut

03/30/2025 08:58 AM

At UFC Mexico City on Saturday, Ateba Gautier announced himself to the masses with an incredible knockout win in the first round.

After earning a contract following an emphatic win on Dana White’s Contender Series, Ateba Gautier was handed his UFC debut at UFC Mexico City on Saturday.

The 22-year-old was matched up against fellow DWCS alum, Jose Medina, who earned his contract despite losing during his opportunity.

Ahead of his fight on DWCS, the UFC broadcast pitched Gautier as the only fighter ever to fight in the promotion from Cameroon, dismissing Francis Ngannou‘s incredible career under the UFC banner.

Ateba Gautier backed to become UFC world champion following debut KO

Having already drawn comparisons to the former UFC heavyweight champion, Gautier continued receiving the comparisons when he knocked out Medina in the first round.

The Cameroonian’s emphatic full-striking arsenal was on display as he teed off on Medina with heavy punches before unleashing a hellacious knee up the middle, sinking Medina to the ground.

However, the 22-year-old has received even bigger praise from some of the MMA world, being labeled as a future UFC world champion.

British UFC star, Lerone Murphy, said: “Watch Ateba now. Different breed. Gautier next world champion. 22-year-old killer!”

Gautier has spent time training at Manchester Top Team, the same gym Murphy trains at, head coached by Carl Prince.

What’s next for Ateba Gautier?

With the Cameroonian being just 22 years old, there is no need for the promotion to rush his run.

Having said that, with there being a lot of hype around him at the moment, the UFC may attempt to keep him as active as possible.

A fight against someone like Dusko Todorovic could serve Gautier well for his next outing, with Todorovic being well-experienced in the promotion.

The 185lb division is going through somewhat of a transitional period towards the top with former champions like Israel Adesanya, Robert Whittaker, and Sean Strickland all coming off losses and taking up spots in the top 5.

Despite that, the division is still ruled by Dricus Du Plessis, whose next title defense will likely come against Khamzat Chimaev.