Just weeks after being hailed as the future of the UFC by none other than Joe Rogan, rising star Ateba Gautier found himself teetering on the edge of his first career defeat—a moment that has sparked fierce debate among fans and critics alike. But here’s where it gets controversial: Was this a mere stumble on the path to greatness, or a glaring ‘fraud check’ that exposes cracks in his championship potential? Let’s dive in.
During his highly anticipated UFC 324 bout against Andrey Pulyaev, Gautier, a Cameroonian middleweight based in the UK, dominated early with multiple knockdowns and nearly secured a finish in the opening minute. Yet, he failed to capitalize on his momentum, ultimately settling for a decision win—his first since his pro debut. While he didn’t lose the fight, he did lose something arguably more valuable: his knockout streak. And the crowd? They weren’t shy about their disappointment, booing at several points throughout the match. Even Joe Rogan, his most vocal advocate, didn’t get the chance to interview his favored fighter post-fight, who also missed out on Dana White’s coveted $25,000 bonus for finishes.
And this is the part most people miss: Social media was quick to label Gautier’s performance a ‘fraud check,’ a term often thrown at rising prospects who fail to meet sky-high expectations. Fans slammed his inability to close the deal, with one X user declaring, ‘That was the definition of a fraud check,’ while another added, ‘Insane Gautier fraud check. This struggling vs. a nobody.’ But not everyone agrees. One defender countered, ‘How is this a fraud check? It’s good for Gautier to get this experience of going three rounds.’
So, here’s the burning question: Is Joe Rogan right about Gautier being the future of MMA, or did this fight reveal a fighter who’s all hype and no substance? And while we’re at it, does a fighter truly need to be in the UFC to be considered the best, as Rogan claims? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below—we want to hear from you!
For those new to the scene, Joe Rogan is a UFC mainstay and podcast sensation whose opinions carry significant weight in the MMA world. If you’re curious to learn more about him, check out our feature here. And if you’re ready to join the debate on who the next big thing in the cage will be, don’t hesitate—share your insights using the comment button on the bottom left. While you’re at it, why not sign up for our newsletter to get the best of Bloody Elbow delivered straight to your inbox every week?
