Ateba Gautier
Cameroonian mixed martial artist
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ateba Abega Gautier (born 10 April 2002), is a Cameroonian professional mixed martial artist competing in the middleweight division of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC).
10 April 2002
Douala, Cameroon[1]
| Ateba Gautier | |
|---|---|
| Born | Ateba Abega Gautier 10 April 2002 Douala, Cameroon[1] |
| Other names | The Silent Assassin |
| Height | 6 ft 4 in (193 cm) |
| Weight | 185 lb (84 kg; 13 st 3 lb) |
| Division | Middleweight |
| Reach | 81 in (206 cm) |
| Style | Mixed martial arts |
| Team | Manchester Top Team[2] |
| Years active | 2021–present |
| Mixed martial arts record | |
| Total | 12 |
| Wins | 11 |
| By knockout | 9 |
| By decision | 2 |
| Losses | 1 |
| By decision | 1 |
| Draws | 0 |
| Other information | |
| Occupation | Mixed martial artist |
| Mixed martial arts record from Sherdog | |
Early life
Gautier was raised in Douala, Cameroon, in a neighborhood where violence was common. As a teenager he frequently became involved in street fights, which he has described as a way to gain respect and avoid being bullied. He has recalled several dangerous encounters during this period, including being stabbed with a screwdriver in one altercation.[3]
He began training in combat sports at the age of 17 as a way to stay off the streets. Gautier initially trained at the Mboa Sports Association, where he and another athlete were supported as prospects with the long‑term goal of reaching the UFC. He did not grow up with knowledge of mixed martial arts; he started practicing sambo at 18 and transitioned to MMA at 19 at the encouragement of his coach.[4]
Before turning professional, Gautier competed in amateur combat sports, earning a silver medal at the 2024 African Sambo Championships in the 88kg division and winning the UAE Young Muay Thai Championship.[5] On 10 March 2022, he left Cameroon for Manchester, England, where he joined Manchester Top Team under coach Carl Prince to pursue full‑time training.[3][4]
Mixed martial arts career
Early career
Gautier made his professional debut in 2021, competing in regional promotions in Africa and Europe. His early career included several knockout victories, and he suffered his first professional defeat by split decision in 2022.[6]
Dana White's Contender Series
On 17 September 2024, Gautier competed on Dana White's Contender Series, where he defeated Yura Naito by technical knockout in the second round.[6] The victory earned him a contract with the UFC.[6]
Ultimate Fighting Championship
Gautier made his UFC debut on 29 March 2025 at UFC on ESPN 64, where he defeated José Medina by first-round knockout.[7] This fight earned him his first Performance of the Night award.[8]
Gautier was originally scheduled to face Robert Valentin on 12 July 2025 at UFC on ESPN 70.[9] However, the bout was moved to 19 July 2025 at UFC 318 for undisclosed reasons where he won the bout by technical knockout early in the first round.[10] This fight earned him another Performance of the Night award.[11]
Gautier was originally scheduled to face former LFA Middleweight Champion Osman Diaz on 4 October 2025 at UFC 320.[12] However, Diaz pulled out from the event due to a medical issue and was replaced by promotional newcomer Tre'ston Vines.[13][14] Gautier won the bout by knockout in the first round via elbows and punches.[15]
Gautier faced Andrey Pulyaev on 24 January 2026, at UFC 324 and won the bout by unanimous decision.[16]
Gautier has since been re-scheduled to face Osman Diaz on 9 May 2026 at UFC 328.[17] He won the fight via technical knockout in round two.[18]
Personal life
Gautier is pursuing a degree in geology alongside his fighting career. He comes from a large family in Cameroon, where his brothers help care for his mother while he trains abroad. His nickname, Silent Assassin, was given by his coach due to his quiet demeanor outside competition. He has cited teammate Lerone Murphy as a major influence and mentor.[4]
Championships and accomplishments
Mixed martial arts
- Ultimate Fighting Championship
- Performance of the Night (Two times) vs. José Medina and Robert Valentin[8][11]
- UFC Honors Awards
- 2025: Fan's Choice Debut of the Year Nominee vs. José Medina[19]
- UFC.com Awards
Mixed martial arts record
| 12 matches | 11 wins | 1 loss |
| By knockout | 9 | 0 |
| By decision | 2 | 1 |
| Res. | Record | Opponent | Method | Event | Date | Round | Time | Location | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Win | 11–1 | Osman Diaz | TKO (punches) | UFC 328 | 9 May 2026 | 2 | 1:10 | Newark, New Jersey, United States | |
| Win | 10–1 | Andrey Pulyaev | Decision (unanimous) | UFC 324 | 24 January 2026 | 3 | 5:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 9–1 | Tre'ston Vines | KO (elbows and punches) | UFC 320 | 4 October 2025 | 1 | 1:41 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 8–1 | Robert Valentin | TKO (punches) | UFC 318 | 19 July 2025 | 1 | 1:10 | New Orleans, Louisiana, United States | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 7–1 | José Medina | KO (punches and knee) | UFC on ESPN: Moreno vs. Erceg | 29 March 2025 | 1 | 3:32 | Mexico City, Mexico | Performance of the Night. |
| Win | 6–1 | Yura Naito | TKO (punches) | Dana White's Contender Series 72 | 17 September 2024 | 2 | 4:00 | Las Vegas, Nevada, United States | |
| Win | 5–1 | Carlos Antonio de Souza | TKO (punches) | Fight KLB: Series 1 | 2 December 2023 | 1 | 5:00 | Manchester, England | |
| Win | 4–1 | Vuk Lekic | KO (head kick) | Titan FC 82 | 2 June 2023 | 1 | 1:58 | Novi Sad, Serbia | |
| Win | 3–1 | Yu-Joe Lewis Lai | TKO (punches and knee) | Full Contact Contender 33 | 25 March 2023 | 1 | 2:10 | Manchester, England | |
| Win | 2–1 | Jan Lysak | TKO (punches) | Vida FC 3 | 30 July 2022 | 1 | 4:38 | Manchester, England | Light Heavyweight bout. |
| Loss | 1–1 | Glenn Williams | Decision (split) | Budo FC 50 | 23 July 2022 | 3 | 5:00 | Swansea, Wales | Middleweight debut. |
| Win | 1–0 | Israel Mano | Decision (unanimous) | Africa MMA Open Championships | 15 May 2021 | 3 | 5:00 | Yaoundé, Cameroon | Light Heavyweight debut. |