Joe Rogan believes UFC Middleweight prospect Ateba Gautier is the future of the division.
Gautier has only competed three times inside the Octagon, but the results have been stellar. The 23-year-old from Cameroon stopped all three of his opponents in the very first round to solidify one of the most exciting debut years in a while. Already, Gautier is known among fans as “Mini Ngannou,” a (slightly) smaller version of the ferocious power puncher who rose to capture Heavyweight gold. While speaking with fellow comedian Shane Gillis on The Joe Rogan Experience, Rogan promised big things for “Silent Assassin.”
“Ateba Gautier, this guy is from Cameroon,” Rogan said (via MMA Junkie). “Oh, he’s f—king terrifying. He’s 185 pounds, 6’4,’ built like a Greek God, smokes everybody. Everybody just gets smoked. Terrifying power, super speed, excellent technique, everything. He’s good, man. He’s good. Super f—king strong, too. Very big for the weight class and awesome striking … That guy’s the future. He’s the future.”
What’s scary about Gautier is that he’s only been training with a top gym for about three years now. Since moving to Manchester Top Team, Gautier has won eight straight bouts via knockout. Thus far, his UFC opponents have appeared downright terrified to trade with him — and for good reason! That said, Gautier has been fighting the bottom tier of the Middleweight division with his current wins coming over Jose Medina, Robert Valentin, and Treston Vines. Fighters a little higher up the divisional ladder may not be quite so shaken by his power, which could reveal new aspects (or weaknesses) to Gautier’s game.
Gautier will return to action versus Andrey Pulyaev at UFC 324 on Jan. 24, the first UFC card of 2026. Will his knockout streak continue?
