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Cameroon's rising star Ateba Gautier made an unforgettable entrance into the UFC with a spectacular first-round knockout of Bolivia’s Jose Medina at UFC Mexico, held at Arena CDMX. Gautier, nicknamed “The Silent Assassin,” lived up to his moniker, delivering a brutal knee that ended the fight in stunning fashion and solidified his status as one of the most promising prospects in the middleweight division.
Ateba Gautier finishes Jose Medina in round 1 #UFCMexicoCity #UFCMexico pic.twitter.com/aoIW4jEEJs
— Haduucken (@Haduuuucken) March 29, 2025
The Silent Assassin Arrives
Entering the bout with a five-fight knockout streak, Gautier was already considered a dangerous striker and heavy favorite (-455) against Medina (+350). The 22-year-old fighter, standing tall at 6'4″ with an 81-inch reach, showcased his physical advantages and striking prowess early in the fight. Medina, known for his durability and boxing skills, attempted to close the distance and land combinations, but Gautier’s precision and power proved insurmountable.
The fight began with Gautier asserting control of the Octagon, using sharp leg kicks and feints to keep Medina guessing. As Medina got cracked by a good shot, he started to retreat, with his back against the octagon. Gautier landed combinations that had Medina covering up, then he timed a perfectly executed knee in the clinch that landed flush on Medina’s chin, sending him crashing to the canvas. The referee stepped in immediately, awarding Gautier a knockout victory just minutes into the first round.
The Cameroonian phenom displayed his trademark composure throughout the bout, a quality that has earned him comparisons to fellow countryman and former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou. With this win, Gautier extended his record to 7-1 and added another first-round finish to his resume—his sixth overall.
Living Up to Expectations
Gautier’s journey to UFC stardom has been nothing short of remarkable. After earning a contract on Dana White’s Contender Series with a second-round knockout of Yura Naito in 2024, he was touted as a future star by UFC President Dana White. White described Gautier as “raw, talented, and powerful,” and Saturday’s performance validated those claims.
Medina, who entered the fight seeking redemption after a loss in his UFC debut against Zach Reese, was unable to withstand Gautier’s explosive offense. Despite Medina’s reputation for absorbing punishment and fighting through adversity, he had no answer for Gautier’s dynamic striking arsenal. The Bolivian fighter now faces questions about his future after suffering two consecutive defeats in the UFC.
For Gautier, however, this victory marks the beginning of what could be a meteoric rise in the middleweight division. His ability to mix techniques across all levels—head strikes, body shots, and leg kicks—combined with an impressive 72% striking accuracy rate makes him a formidable opponent for anyone in the division.
What’s Next for Gautier?
Following his electrifying debut, fans and analysts are already speculating about Gautier’s next move. With six knockouts in seven professional wins and four first-round finishes under his belt, he has demonstrated that he thrives under pressure and possesses fight-ending power that can change any bout in an instant.
Gautier’s success is also a testament to his disciplined training regimen under Manchester Top Team and Carl Prince’s guidance. Originally recruited from Cameroon’s Mboa Sports Association as part of an initiative to develop African MMA talent, Gautier has embraced his role as an ambassador for Cameroonian fighters on the global stage.
