Ateba Gautier is rapidly gaining attention in the UFC’s middleweight division, establishing himself as a formidable contender from Manchester. The product of Manchester Top Team has made significant strides over the past year, culminating in a notable three-fight winning streak that earned him two performance bonuses. This success affirms Gautier’s decision to leave his native Cameroon four years ago in pursuit of his dream of competing at the highest levels of mixed martial arts.
At just 23 years old, Gautier is considered a fearsome opponent, a sentiment echoed by veteran commentator Joe Rogan, who has dubbed him the “future” of the middleweight division. Standing at six feet four inches with an impressive physique, Gautier combines his physical prowess with a humble demeanor. Despite his fierce reputation in the octagon, he describes himself as a soft-spoken cat lover, drawing joy from his time spent caring for his pets rather than the nightlife that comes with being a professional athlete. “I have always liked cats. Back in Cameroon, we had seven or eight cats,” he shared. “In England, I think I wanted cats because I couldn’t have a lion or a tiger. I love animals.”
Looking ahead, Gautier has the opportunity to make a strong statement at UFC 324, where he will face Andrey Pulyaev in Las Vegas. Despite the excitement that Las Vegas offers, Gautier admits that he feels more at home in nature, preferring the tranquility of the wild to the chaos of urban life. “I will always be more comfortable in the jungle, the forest or the wild than in a place like Las Vegas,” he explained.
As he and the middleweight division aim to challenge the current champion Khamzat Chimaev, Gautier is focused on his path. Chimaev, who has competed with dominance since his debut in July 2020 and secured the title last August, poses a significant challenge. However, Gautier believes that when the time comes for them to meet, he will be ready. “I respect him, he’s good. I respect everything he’s done. But when it’s my time, big brother, it’s time to sleep,” he stated confidently.
Although Gautier has made his mark on the UFC landscape, he remains aware of the journey ahead, recognizing that he has much to learn as he aspires to achieve his goal of winning UFC gold. With a grounded mindset, he expresses, “I always say the sky is my only limit. I haven’t taken off yet. I’m still on the ground, so I need to push myself harder.” Gautier’s combination of humility and determination paints a promising picture for his future in the sport, as he continues to grow and strive toward greatness.