Career Averages - Ateba Gautier
Career Averages - Robert Valentin
Ateba Gautier - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 1 | 23 of 82 | 28% | 27 of 86 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 0 | 6 of 20 | 30% | 8 of 22 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 0 | 12 of 55 | 21% | 16 of 59 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 0 | 4 of 12 | 33% | 6 of 14 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:03 | |
| 2 | Ateba Gautier | 1 | 11 of 27 | 40% | 11 of 27 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 0 | 2 of 8 | 25% | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 23 of 82 | 28% | 15 of 69 | 6 of 11 | 2 of 2 | 20 of 79 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 2 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 6 of 20 | 30% | 5 of 18 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 6 of 20 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 12 of 55 | 21% | 8 of 49 | 2 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 11 of 54 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 4 of 12 | 33% | 4 of 11 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 4 of 12 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ateba Gautier | 11 of 27 | 40% | 7 of 20 | 4 of 7 | 0 of 0 | 9 of 25 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 2 |
| Ozzy Diaz | 2 of 8 | 25% | 1 of 7 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 2 of 8 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Angelo picks Ateba Gautier as the easiest pick on the card. He notes Gautier's nasty striking, speed, power, and early finishes. He says Ozzy Diaz can be knocked out and Gautier knocks people out. He mentions Gautier's cardio looked good in his last decision win. He acknowledges the odds are unaffordable at minus 1000.
Angelo is very confident in Ateba Gautier, describing him as hitting like a freight train and being fast. He notes that Ozzy Diaz has been knocked out before and that Gautier carries his power late. He expects Gautier to knock him out.
Big Brady confidently picks Ateba Gautier, expecting him to regain hype after a lackluster win. He notes Ozzy Diaz will come forward and likely walk into a big shot. Brady predicts a first-round knockout and also likes the Underdog prop for fight time under 7.5 minutes.
Cody picks Gautier, citing his power and Diaz's poor striking defense. He notes Gautier's improvements and Diaz's tendency to get knocked out. Cody expects Gautier to win by first-round knockout.
Connor agrees that Gautier is being well-managed and that this fight is a showcase. He highlights that Diaz is a 'normal guy living his dream' who lacks the athleticism to compete with Gautier. Connor notes that Diaz's losses come from being 'absolutely fucked up as fast as possible' and expects Gautier to crush him.
Daniel picks Gautier, noting that despite criticism for a recent decision win, Gautier is a young prospect who gained valuable octagon time. He expects Gautier to dominate Diaz, possibly by first-round knockout.
The host does not bet this fight. He notes Gautier is a huge favorite (1.09) and unplayable, while Diaz is weak on the ground. He considers the over 1.5 rounds at 3.50 tempting but decides to protect his money.
Predicted method: KO/TKO Round 1. Gautier is undefeated with four first-round finishes, showcasing devastating KO power and a 100% takedown accuracy. Diaz has only one win and was knocked out in his UFC debut, absorbing 7.23 strikes per minute. Gautier's reach advantage (81" vs 79") and switch stance will create problems for Diaz, who has no takedown attempts in his career. This is a massive mismatch; Gautier will likely land a clean shot early and finish the fight within the first round.
Jacob picks Ateba Gautier by first-round KO, calling it the 'hammer of the week'. He notes that Gautier has power early and that Ozzy Diaz has been knocked out before. He advises against playing under 1.5 rounds at minus odds.
Lucrative James picks Ateba Gautier to win by knockout in round one. He believes Gautier's elite striking setups and power will be too much for Ozzy Diaz, who has been finished early in fights before. He notes that Diaz's pressure style could lead him into Gautier's strikes, and that Gautier carries power into later rounds. He acknowledges Diaz's cardio but thinks Gautier's power is decisive.
The host picks Gautier by first-round knockout, emphasizing his power and youth. He notes that Diaz is 35 and lacks the power to hurt Gautier, while Gautier's power is significant. He expects Gautier to run through Diaz quickly, as Diaz cannot absorb the same shots that Pulv did.
Paul picks Gautier, citing his power and Diaz's vulnerability. He notes Gautier's athleticism and expects a quick finish. However, Paul is cautious about the value due to the short odds.
The MMA Guru picks Ateba Gautier emphatically, calling it a destruction. He notes Gautier is a -1100 favorite and predicts a first-round KO. He believes Gautier is being built as a prospect and that Ozzy Diaz is outmatched, having lost to Joe Pyfer and Mingyang Zhang. He expects Gautier to finish Diaz in 60-120 seconds.
Zane sees this as a showcase for Gautier, who is being carefully managed. He notes that Ozzy Diaz is a tough, hard-nosed fighter but lacks the athleticism and dynamic offense to threaten Gautier. Zane believes Gautier's superior athleticism and technique will overwhelm Diaz, especially since Diaz tends to get crushed quickly when facing better athletes.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 2 | 34 of 112 | 30% | 34 of 112 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 59 of 123 | 47% | 59 of 123 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 1 | 8 of 42 | 19% | 8 of 42 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Ateba Gautier | 1 | 15 of 41 | 36% | 15 of 41 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 24 of 46 | 52% | 24 of 46 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 3 | Ateba Gautier | 0 | 11 of 29 | 37% | 11 of 29 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 0 | 16 of 40 | 40% | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 34 of 112 | 30% | 24 of 98 | 9 of 13 | 1 of 1 | 30 of 103 | 4 of 9 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 59 of 123 | 47% | 34 of 83 | 19 of 32 | 6 of 8 | 57 of 121 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 8 of 42 | 19% | 8 of 39 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 7 of 40 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 19 of 37 | 51% | 12 of 26 | 7 of 10 | 0 of 1 | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | |
| 2 | Ateba Gautier | 15 of 41 | 36% | 9 of 35 | 5 of 5 | 1 of 1 | 12 of 34 | 3 of 7 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 24 of 46 | 52% | 15 of 33 | 5 of 9 | 4 of 4 | 22 of 44 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Ateba Gautier | 11 of 29 | 37% | 7 of 24 | 4 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 11 of 29 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Andrey Pulyaev | 16 of 40 | 40% | 7 of 24 | 7 of 13 | 2 of 3 | 16 of 40 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gautier (-900), Pulyaev (+600)
Round 1
It’s knock out or get knocked out as these prelims keep racing towards the finish line. With a mighty 2025 campaign of three first-round strike stoppages at his back, Gautier (9-1, 3-0 UFC) is aiming to become not only a breakout competitor at the age of 23, but a bona fide contender. To get there, he will have to defeat brick that hits back in the form of Pulyaev (10-3, 1-1 UFC). Ready on standby with the smelling salts is—well, it’s not referee Mark Smith, and instead the medical team, but you get the drill—and the power punchers tap their gloves together before swinging them.
Pulyaev looks for a stomp kick to the knee, and is out of range from a high kick from the other leg. Gautier wings a range-finding right hand, and he misses the mark. He stalks the Russian down and blasts him in the face with a cruise missile of a right hand, knocking Pulyaev clean off his feet. Gautier allows him to come back up to his feet and backs off, so that he can stalk his prey further. Pulyaev gets clipped again as he backpedals, with Gautier’s power so overwhelming that he is questioning his life decisions at the moment. The Russian proceeds to work the body with a kick, and sneaks in a left hand to get Gautier’s attention. Gautier gives him a right hand right back, and Pulyaev rolls with the punches and bounces off the cage wall. Gautier scores twice more with clubbing rights, and Pulyaev gets on his bike and starts jabbing. He reaches the target with a left, and dodges a telegraphed Gautier overhand right.
The Alexander Shlemenko protégé surprises Gautier with distance strikes, fighting through a storm and continuing to target the midsection. Gautier lays into him with a right hand, and Pulyaev strikes back and opens a cut on the corner of the betting favorite’s left eye. Pulyaev sticks his man with a one-two, and he knocks Gautier off-balance when Gautier sells out in attack. Pulyaev thumps the body again and unloads with a heavy left, and Gautier is starting to slow and increasingly look for the knockout blow. Pulyaev scores once and dodges the responses, and he jabs Gautier on the way out. Gautier continues stalking forward, his volume falling off fairly fast, and Pulyaev has been staging a comeback effort with multiple effective body shots. Pulyaev takes a groin shot, tells Smith he wants to keep at it, and they trade hands until the bell. Pulyaev may have stolen the round back after the early adversity, but judges’ scores may vary.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gautier
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Pulyaev
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Pulyaev
Round 2
The middleweights clap hands before getting to business, and Pulyaev starts off with distant kicks. He brings a high kick up that gets blocked, and takes a right hand across the forward bow as he bounces off the fencing. The Russian rips the body with a kick, and he smacks Gautier with a solid left. Gautier is left swinging at air, as he is a fraction of his former speed but still throwing with everything he has. This allows Pulyaev to potshot him with strikes, and his investment of body work has already paid off handsomely. Pulyaev gets in with a left hand and out of the way before Gautier can respond, and he belts his man in the gut again. Gautier steels himself to absorb a left hand so he can hurl back a big right, and Pulyaev wears it well. Body kicks fly from both sides, and Pulyaev doubles up on the midsection work but is caught with an overhand right. The Russian stumbles and falls on his seat, and as if he had springs in his shorts, bounds right back upright no worse for wear.
Gautier continues slowly plodding forward like a Terminator, loading up his right hand but getting nailed with a high kick and a sharp jab before tossing it out. Gautier is not about to stop hurling heavy leather, and he backs Pulyaev up against the wall and sets him down once more. Pulyaev gets back up, and Gautier stalks him down and unloads on him as Pulyaev largely defends the worst of the blows. Gautier takes some time to regenerate his energy resources, and he pitches a high kick that brushes his foe’s face. Pulyaev gets in a left hand, ducks the right, and slips. A Pulyaev head kick goes wide, and his efforts to target the body have slowed. Both men land push kicks to the knee, and Pulyaev slaps Gautier in the face with the instep of his foot. The round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Gautier
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Gautier
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Gautier
Round 3
Pulyaev back-hands a glove touch and stays out of range, wrapping his foot upside Gautier’s head to reintroduce himself. Gautier strikes back with a brutal right hand that stings the Russian once more, but Pulyaev is able to shake it off and keep strafing to the right away from the power. Gautier still loads up on his haymakers, and Pulyaev sees them coming a mile away and tosses back a kick. Pulyaev’s distant strikes have bloodied up Gautier’s nose, and he knows Gautier is going to throw everything at him. He does just that, and Pulyaev zips away. The volume drops off a cliff from these two middleweights, largely relegated to single swings at one another as the action slows.
Gautier keeps his guard up to defend a high kick, and he times Pulyaev bending to the side with a shin to the chin. Pulyaev’s chin is made of sterner stuff, as he absorbs what comes at him and manages to tag Gautier right back. When Pulyaev attacks the body, Gautier counters him with a scooping left. As Pulyaev stays to a wide berth, he chips at the heavy swinger and ducks down to land a big left. Gautier’s looping counters hit air and little more, so he elects to work the body with a kick. Pulyaev lines up a jab to nail the torso with another kick, and Gautier wears it well but is slow as molasses. Pulyaev whiffs on a high kick and walks around the cage as time expires, with the two surprising the masses and going to a decision. It’s anyone’s guess how the judges will value the damage and knockdowns in this matchup.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Pulyaev (29-28 Gautier)
Devin Tejada scores the round: 10-9 Pulyaev (29-28 Pulyaev)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Pulyaev (29-28 Pulyaev)
The Official Result
Ateba Abega Gautier def. Andrey Pulyaev via Unanimous Decision (30-27, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo picks Ateba Gautier, calling him a nasty striker with incredible speed and power. He notes Gautier fades but usually finishes early. He acknowledges Andrey Pulyaev is a capable striker with a good jab but believes Gautier will likely win by knockout. He suggests looking for prop bets to find value at minus 800.
Big Brady calls this a 'sanctioned murder,' praising Gautier's manager for feeding him easy opponents. He notes Gautier has spent only about 5-6 minutes in the UFC and has knocked out everyone. He believes Pulyaev will back up and get knocked out in round one, possibly fatally.
Cody is very confident in Ateba Gautier, comparing him to Francis Ngannou in terms of athleticism and power. He believes Gautier's physicality and striking will overwhelm Pulyaev, who has poor grappling and a weak chin. Cody expects a first-round finish and has bets on Gautier by KO and under 1.5 rounds.
Connor sees Gautier as a promising prospect with a great head for MMA, while Pulyaev has terrible retreating defense and collapses inward when backing up. He notes that Gautier is an insistent pressure fighter who manages his range well, stepping in with a one-two and then taking a half-step back to land again. Connor believes Pulyaev's poor footwork and tendency to fold under pressure will be exploited.
Daniel Vreeland picks Ateba Gautier to win. He notes Gautier's physicality, knockout power, and youth at 23. He acknowledges that Pulyaev is a step up in competition and is durable, but believes Gautier's confidence and power will be the difference. Vreeland is curious about the over 1.5 rounds prop but ultimately picks Gautier.
James is extremely confident, calling Gautier an elite striker with amazing ringcraft and patience. He dismisses the narrative that Gautier only wins due to athleticism, emphasizing his technical striking. He predicts a KO win, possibly in the first round.
The host picks Gautier by first-round knockout, citing his power and explosiveness. He notes that Pulyaev is a striker but may struggle with Gautier's power and could try grappling unsuccessfully. He recommends the under 1.5 rounds as a better bet than the moneyline, as Gautier is a heavy favorite.
Paul is also confident in Gautier, calling him a future champion. He notes Gautier's youth, athleticism, and power, and believes Pulyaev's striking-heavy style plays into Gautier's hands. Paul expects a dominant performance and will include Gautier in parlays despite the high price.
The MMA Guru picks Ateba Gautier, calling it a lock due to the massive odds (-1000). He notes Gautier's finishing ability and Pulyaev's hesitancy, but also mentions a potential grappling weakness for Gautier. He predicts a first-round TKO via body shots.
Zane agrees that Gautier is the pick, highlighting that Pulyaev is not a step up from previous opponents and that Gautier's pressure and range management will be too much. He notes that Pulyaev's retreating defense is terrible and that Gautier will keep him trapped and land consistently. Zane also comments on the smart booking for Gautier's development.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 1 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Treston Vines | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 1 | 6 of 12 | 50% | 6 of 12 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 0 | 0 | 0:04 |
| Treston Vines | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 2 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:06 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 6 of 12 | 50% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 3 |
| Treston Vines | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 6 of 12 | 50% | 4 of 10 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 5 | 4 of 4 | 1 of 3 |
| Treston Vines | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gautier (-1600), Vines (+900)
Round 1
Two knock-er-outers enter, and one knock-er-outer will leave. Cameroonian slugger Gautier (8-1, 2-0 UFC) will come in as a ludicrous betting favorite against late replacement Vines (10-3, 0-0 UFC). Referee Marc Goddard will make sure that the middleweights do not go too far when they lay into one another. Before swinging for the bleachers, the power punchers wade towards one another, without a glove touch in sight.
Vines takes a very wide berth on the outside staying way out of range. Gautier walks him down and is still feet away from most strikes. He lands a single uppercut when getting in close, and Vines is too far out to kick him in the front leg. Gautier scores a right hand, and Vines bounces into the fencing and retreats further. Fans do not love the approach of Vines, who changes his mind and runs forward shooting for a takedown. Gautier sees the telegraphed shot and blasts his man in the face with a knee, and Vines hits the ground in trouble. Vines bounces back up as Gautier allows him to do this, and he pursues another takedown.
This time, Gautier defends with elbows to the side of the dome, and he throws Vines to his seat and unloads with vicious power punches. Three demolishing punches completely separate Vines from his senses, and Goddard has to step in earlier than he expected because Vines is done like dinner
. That is another knockout for the powerhouse from Cameroon, who is not far from ranked opposition if he carries on like this.
The Official Result
Ateba Abega Gautier def. Treston Vines R1 1:41 via KO (Elbows and Punches)
Angelo is extremely confident in Ateba Gautier, calling him a minus-950 favorite who should knock out Treston Vines. He highlights Gautier's nasty striking, incredible speed, and power, and notes that Vines doesn't use his range well. He expects an early knockout.
Big Brady is extremely confident in Ateba Gautier, calling the fight inhumane and suggesting it could result in the first death in UFC history. He believes Gautier will win by first-round knockout and expresses concern for Treston Vines' safety. He even holds a moment of silence for Vines.
Gautier is predicted to win by first-round knockout against Vines, who comes in on short notice for his UFC debut.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 1 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 1 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 19 of 37 | 51% | 16 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| Robert Valentin | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 19 of 37 | 51% | 16 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| Robert Valentin | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gautier (-470), Valentin (+360)
Round 1
The UFC matchmakers did their best to put together pairs of fighters that could produce fireworks, and this middleweight tilt is one more on the board. Cameroon’s Gautier (7-1, 1-0 UFC) knows one speed, while Valentin (10-5, 1 NC; 0-2 UFC) needs to slow him down and engage the grappling if he wants to leave with his head attached to his shoulders. The third man in the Octagon for this ESPN prelim opener will be referee Herb Dean. The fighters do not touch ‘em up.
Valentin hops forward behind knees that he does not launch, doing so three times as Gautier does not bite once. The Swiss competitor lands a low kick, and Gautier is ready to brawl. He lets loose a flurry of punches staring with a left that stuns Valentin and bounces him off the fencing. Gautier lashes out again with another clean series of punches, and Valentin tries to run away and falls over. Valentin gets his bearings again and shakes his head to wave Gautier on, but this is the worst idea he can have as Gautier gladly obliges him. Valentin keeps his guard up, and Gautier still whips punches around them. “The Silent Assassin” loudly crashes forward with a slew of punches concluding with a vicious uppercut, and a subsequent knee makes Valentin think twice about his career decisions to that point.
Gautier unleashes right-hand bombs that explode on Valentin’s chin again and again until Valentin’s legs give way beneath him. The Cameroonian batters the downed Valentin with standing-to-ground punches until Dean has seen enough and forces his way between them.
This was one-way traffic for the Manchester Top Team-trained athlete, who is quick to embrace the defeated Valentin and his team before seeking his own. That makes it seven knockouts in eight wins for the middleweight out of Cameroon.
The Official Result
Ateba Abega Gautier def. Robert Valentin R1 1:10 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Ateba Gautier, citing his speed, power, and combinations. He notes that Robert Valentin is a creative but hittable striker who doesn't wrestle early. He believes Gautier will be too much on the feet and finish early.
Big Brady picks Ateba Gautier, citing his dynamite power and physical strength. He notes Gautier knocked out durable Jose Medina and expects him to finish Robert Valentin in the first round. He believes Valentin will stand and trade, which favors Gautier.
The host notes Gautier is a physical specimen but still young at 23, and Valentin could make things difficult. He picks Gautier to land a big shot and put Valentin away, but warns not to get carried away with the minus 500 odds, indicating hesitation.
The MMA Guru picks Ateba Gautier over Robert Valentin, predicting a first or second-round TKO. He notes that Valentin is wild and often jumps into his strikes, lifting his chin, which Gautier can exploit. Gautier is described as a young prospect with potential, though he showed some problems in his Contender Series fight. The Guru acknowledges that Valentin is dangerous and has finishing potential, but believes Gautier will find the chin and finish him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Daniel Medina | 0 | 17 of 33 | 51% | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ateba Gautier | 1 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 28 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | José Daniel Medina | 0 | 17 of 33 | 51% | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Ateba Gautier | 1 | 28 of 50 | 56% | 28 of 50 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| José Daniel Medina | 17 of 33 | 51% | 6 of 21 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ateba Gautier | 28 of 50 | 56% | 24 of 43 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 26 of 48 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | José Daniel Medina | 17 of 33 | 51% | 6 of 21 | 6 of 7 | 5 of 5 | 17 of 33 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Ateba Gautier | 28 of 50 | 56% | 24 of 43 | 3 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 26 of 48 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 |
Connor picks Gautier, calling him a 'monster' despite being unrefined. He believes Gautier's physicality will overwhelm Medina, who is underpowered and uncoordinated. Even if Medina wrestles, Connor expects Gautier to come back and knock him out.
Zane picks Gautier, agreeing with Connor that there is a huge physical gulf. He notes that Medina might try to wrestle but doubts he can do enough damage. Zane expects it to look like a man fighting a bear.
Robert Valentin - Fight History
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julien Leblanc | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 14 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julien Leblanc | 0 | 4 of 6 | 66% | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 7 of 13 | 53% | 14 of 20 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 | 0 | 1:42 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Julien Leblanc | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 7 of 13 | 53% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Julien Leblanc | 4 of 6 | 66% | 1 of 3 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 6 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 7 of 13 | 53% | 1 of 7 | 2 of 2 | 4 of 4 | 7 of 13 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Valentin (-130); Leblanc (+110)
Round 1
At the tender age of 34, Canada’s Leblanc (10-2, 0-0 UFC) is getting a callup to the UFC. The newly signed middleweight will be greeted by Valentin (10-6, 1 NC; 0-3 UFC), who cannot seem to even buy a win in the Octagon thus far. Referee Chris Desautels will take care of the particulars, standing back as the two opt against touching gloves.
Valentin leads off with a chopping low kick, and he watches as a head kick buzzes the tower. Valentin sinks in a body kick, and Leblanc fires one back just as hard. Valentin beats down the front leg with three hard leg kicks, and he rocks the Canadian with an overhand right. Valentin bowls the local athlete over and climbs into full mount with ease, and he allows Leblanc to turn over so he can take his back and get his hooks in. Leblanc hand-fights to defend his neck, so Valentin smacks him with his right hand and a number of questionable elbows to open a choke up. Valentin grips hold of a face crank submission, crushing the newcomer’s jaw without even bothering to slide it under the chin.
As Valentin squeezes, his forearm slowly works its way beneath the chin after all, and it is now a windpipe-destroying, carotid-crushing rear-naked choke. Leblanc knows he has nothing more to offer today and quickly surrenders, with the choke so tight that he might have otherwise gone out before long.
It is a much-needed win for Valentin, who earns his first victory with the promotion in his fourth attempt. It is also a hugely emotional moment for Valentin, who celebrates with tears in his eyes as he embraces his team and vanquished opponent.
The Official Result
Robert Valentin def. Julien Leblanc R1 2:22 via Submission (Rear-Naked Choke)
Angelo leans Robert Valentin based on toughness and the opinion of capper Bet Sam, who called Julien LeBlanc unathletic. He acknowledges both fighters are not good, but believes Robert's durability and chaotic style give him the edge. He plans to leave the fight alone betting-wise.
Cody picks Robert Valentin, citing his size advantage and better overall skills. He notes that Julien Leblanc is not UFC caliber and has weak wrestling. He also mentions that Valentin is fighting for his job and should be motivated.
Connor picks Valentin because despite his three-fight skid, he is at least a legitimate athlete who trains hard, whereas LeBlanc is not a pro athlete and looks out of shape. He notes that Valentin's losses came against decent athletes, but LeBlanc is the 'very picture of anybody ever' and lacks the physical tools to compete.
James picks Robert Valentin as an underdog, believing he has a submission threat and can finish early. He notes Valentin's 0-3 UFC record but thinks he is better than shown and can catch Leblanc on the ground.
The host thinks Valentin is a better version of LeBlanc with a better grappling game. He expects Valentin to find a submission and force LeBlanc to tap, looking dominant. He notes that Valentin is underrated and has improved since his earlier losses, and that LeBlanc's takedown defense is porous.
Paul also picks Robert Valentin, agreeing with Cody. He notes that Leblanc is not good and that Valentin has the strength advantage. He mentions that he got Valentin at minus 136 and would not play him at minus 200.
Zane agrees with Connor, noting that Valentin is bigger and in shape while LeBlanc is not. He points out that Valentin's aggressive grappling style, though flawed, should work against a non-athlete like LeBlanc. He emphasizes that LeBlanc is not built to be a pro fighter.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 1 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 1 | 19 of 37 | 51% | 19 of 37 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:01 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 2 of 5 | 40% | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ateba Gautier | 19 of 37 | 51% | 16 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| Robert Valentin | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ateba Gautier | 19 of 37 | 51% | 16 of 34 | 3 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 16 of 33 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 3 |
| Robert Valentin | 2 of 5 | 40% | 1 of 3 | 0 of 1 | 1 of 1 | 2 of 5 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Gautier (-470), Valentin (+360)
Round 1
The UFC matchmakers did their best to put together pairs of fighters that could produce fireworks, and this middleweight tilt is one more on the board. Cameroon’s Gautier (7-1, 1-0 UFC) knows one speed, while Valentin (10-5, 1 NC; 0-2 UFC) needs to slow him down and engage the grappling if he wants to leave with his head attached to his shoulders. The third man in the Octagon for this ESPN prelim opener will be referee Herb Dean. The fighters do not touch ‘em up.
Valentin hops forward behind knees that he does not launch, doing so three times as Gautier does not bite once. The Swiss competitor lands a low kick, and Gautier is ready to brawl. He lets loose a flurry of punches staring with a left that stuns Valentin and bounces him off the fencing. Gautier lashes out again with another clean series of punches, and Valentin tries to run away and falls over. Valentin gets his bearings again and shakes his head to wave Gautier on, but this is the worst idea he can have as Gautier gladly obliges him. Valentin keeps his guard up, and Gautier still whips punches around them. “The Silent Assassin” loudly crashes forward with a slew of punches concluding with a vicious uppercut, and a subsequent knee makes Valentin think twice about his career decisions to that point.
Gautier unleashes right-hand bombs that explode on Valentin’s chin again and again until Valentin’s legs give way beneath him. The Cameroonian batters the downed Valentin with standing-to-ground punches until Dean has seen enough and forces his way between them.
This was one-way traffic for the Manchester Top Team-trained athlete, who is quick to embrace the defeated Valentin and his team before seeking his own. That makes it seven knockouts in eight wins for the middleweight out of Cameroon.
The Official Result
Ateba Abega Gautier def. Robert Valentin R1 1:10 via TKO (Punches)
Angelo picks Ateba Gautier, citing his speed, power, and combinations. He notes that Robert Valentin is a creative but hittable striker who doesn't wrestle early. He believes Gautier will be too much on the feet and finish early.
Big Brady picks Ateba Gautier, citing his dynamite power and physical strength. He notes Gautier knocked out durable Jose Medina and expects him to finish Robert Valentin in the first round. He believes Valentin will stand and trade, which favors Gautier.
The host notes Gautier is a physical specimen but still young at 23, and Valentin could make things difficult. He picks Gautier to land a big shot and put Valentin away, but warns not to get carried away with the minus 500 odds, indicating hesitation.
The MMA Guru picks Ateba Gautier over Robert Valentin, predicting a first or second-round TKO. He notes that Valentin is wild and often jumps into his strikes, lifting his chin, which Gautier can exploit. Gautier is described as a young prospect with potential, though he showed some problems in his Contender Series fight. The Guru acknowledges that Valentin is dangerous and has finishing potential, but believes Gautier will find the chin and finish him.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrez Finney | 0 | 4 of 8 | 50% | 17 of 35 | 8 of 17 | 47% | 0 | 0 | 13:16 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 23 of 39 | 58% | 93 of 126 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:16 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Torrez Finney | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 7 of 16 | 5 of 8 | 62% | 0 | 0 | 4:34 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 6 of 9 | 66% | 15 of 22 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 | |
| 2 | Torrez Finney | 0 | 4 of 4 | 100% | 9 of 14 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:24 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 3 of 6 | 50% | 13 of 17 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 1 | 0:16 | |
| 3 | Torrez Finney | 0 | 0 of 3 | 0% | 1 of 5 | 2 of 6 | 33% | 0 | 0 | 4:18 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 14 of 24 | 58% | 65 of 87 | 0 of 0 | --- | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Torrez Finney | 4 of 8 | 50% | 2 of 5 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 0 of 1 | 3 of 3 |
| Robert Valentin | 23 of 39 | 58% | 18 of 32 | 4 of 6 | 1 of 1 | 5 of 19 | 12 of 14 | 6 of 6 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Torrez Finney | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 6 of 9 | 66% | 6 of 8 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 2 | 4 of 5 | 2 of 2 | |
| 2 | Torrez Finney | 4 of 4 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 3 |
| Robert Valentin | 3 of 6 | 50% | 1 of 3 | 2 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 4 | 2 of 2 | 0 of 0 | |
| 3 | Torrez Finney | 0 of 3 | 0% | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 3 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 14 of 24 | 58% | 11 of 21 | 2 of 2 | 1 of 1 | 4 of 13 | 6 of 7 | 4 of 4 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Finney (-238), Valentin (+195)
Round 1
The third time proved to be the charm for short, squat middleweight Finney (10-0, 0-0 UFC), who measures around 5-foot-7 while likely cutting weight to reach 186 pounds. After three wins on Dana White’s Contender Series, “The Punisher” is getting a shot in the Las Vegas-based league. He draws Swiss grappler Valentin (10-4, 1 NC; 0-1 UFC), who has completed nine of his 10 wins inside the distance. The third man in the Octagon will be referee Mike Beltran, who steps back as the athletes of drastically different sizes decide not to touch ‘em up. Finney puts on pressure early, only to duck away from a right hand. Finney crashes forward, lifting the Swiss man over his shoulder and slamming him down elsewhere in the cage like a middleweight Matt Hughes. Valentin climbs back up with the wall behind him, and he elbows the shorter man on the side of the dome. In the meantime, “The Punisher” punishes his foe with a high-amplitude slam that puts Valentin on his seat against the wall. Valentin turns to the side in hopes of standing, and he gives up his back in the process. Finney partially completes a mat return, and Valentin gets back up easier this time and twists out of the back take. Instead, Finney puts him back down on his back, and he hangs on tight. Valentin uses a two-in-one wrist lock to hunt for a sweep, but the burly Finney stifles it completely. When Valentin stands up, Finney elevates him and pick him all the way up, but he is unable to hurl Valentin on the first effort and has to expend additional energy to sling him down again. Valentin calmly wall-walks with his back to the cage, and Finney sells all the way out to the ankle and hits a takedown on his second try. Finney hangs on from above as the round ends.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Finney
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Finney
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Finney
Round 2
Finney rushes out of his round and then pulls back before getting to the center of the cage. This allows Valentin to peck at him with a few reaching kicks, which prompts Finney to re-engage his grappling. The shorter man lifts Valentin up in the air and drops him down to the mat, and Valentin isolates the kimura grip for a sweep that he cannot get. Valentin settles for an elbow to the side of the melon, and Finney settles himself down to establish top control in the guard. Valentin throws his legs up in pursuit of a triangle choke, and Finney stacks him up and pushes out thanks in part to Valentin grabbing the cage with his toes. Finney returns to the guard, smothering and occasionally reaching with one or two strikes. Valentin sets up an armbar, and Finney lifts him up the air and tries to drive him all the way through the cage floor. The Swiss man hits the ground with a thump, and his submission grip is gone. Finney takes his back when Valentin urges to get to a single knee, and after two punches, he climbs up high on the back and slides out the back door. Valentin returns to his knees, grabbing the fence clearly to stand up and getting shouted at. With rules like these, who needs referees? Valentin is able to regain his balance thanks to the foul, and Finney doggedly pursues the double and tries to lift Valentin again. The tepid round closes.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Finney
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Finney
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Finney
Round 3
Valentin marches out of his corner on a mission, and he quickly puts hands on the burly wrestler. Finney responds, expectedly, with a double-leg entry. The try pushes Valentin from one side of the cage to the other, and the second effort from Finney ushers Valentin to his seat. Valentin calmly works his way to his side, and Beltran stands them up after a lull in any activity. Finney rushes at his opponent, pursuing yet another takedown, and he wrenches Valentin to a knee but no further. Valentin hacks at him with elbows, and he forces a stalemate to bring in Beltran again. Seeing that Finney is bearing down on him after the reset, Valentin lashes out with an elbow, and Finney easily ducks under him and completes the takedown. Valentin drops to both knees and tries to punch under and around the guard to put any number on the board he can. The fans are not amused by Finney’s performance, nor is Beltran, who breaks up another shot and restarts them. Finney charges like a bull straight into another takedown shot, and Valentin’s defense against the wall plus a few elbows are more effective than anything Finney has offered this round. Time expires, and this exhausting, horrible middleweight contest is now part of MMA history. May we never speak of it again.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Valentin (29-28 Finney)
Scottie Smith scores the round: 10-9 Finney (30-27 Finney)
Tristen Critchfield scores the round: 10-9 Finney (30-27 Finney)
The Official Result
Torrez Finney def. Robert Valentin via Split Decision (27-30, 29-28, 29-28)
Angelo highlights Torrez Finney's incredible cardio despite his muscular build, his blast double leg takedown, and his wrestling pressure. He notes Robert Valentin is a creative striker but hittable and was taken down by a D1 wrestler in his last fight. Angelo believes Finney's lack of neck and short arms make submissions difficult for Valentin, and that Finney's pace and wrestling will overwhelm him. He wishes the odds were closer but picks Finney.
Big Brady is high on Torrez Finney, praising his wrestling, cardio, and durability despite a suspect chin. He notes Robert Valentin cannot stuff takedowns and may quit. He expects Finney to take Valentin down and pound him out for a second-round TKO.
Connor agrees with Zane, picking Finney. He notes that Valentin is extremely unprepared for this level, with no takedown defense and a poor grappling game. Connor sees Finney's singular focus on takedowns as a strength here, and while he doubts Finney's long-term UFC future, this fight is an easy win for him.
Finney is a tank but the resistance and violent nature of Valentin is expected to wear on Finney, leading to a third-round stoppage for Valentin.
The Guru leans towards Torrez Finney in his UFC debut, citing his wrestling, power, and experience from multiple Contender Series appearances. He worries about Robert Valentin's finishing potential but thinks Finney's head shape makes him hard to KO and that Valentin gives up dominant positions on the ground. He expects a decision win for Finney.
Zane picks Finney, calling Valentin a 'no-hoper' with fundamentally broken takedown defense and poor grappling off his back. He notes Finney is a focused takedown machine who will easily take Valentin down and control him. Zane acknowledges Finney's limitations as a 5'8" middleweight but sees this as a perfect matchup for him to showcase his wrestling.
Totals
| Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Loder | 0 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 5 of 6 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 2 | 1 | 1:38 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 42 of 52 | 80% | 63 of 73 | 1 of 3 | 33% | 1 | 1 | 4:45 |
Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | KD | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Total Str. | TD | TD % | Sub. Att | Rev. | Ctrl |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Loder | 0 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 3 of 4 | 0 of 0 | --- | 2 | 1 | 1:38 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 4 of 5 | 80% | 20 of 21 | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 | 1 | 3:08 | |
| 2 | Ryan Loder | 0 | 1 of 1 | 100% | 2 of 2 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 0:00 |
| Robert Valentin | 0 | 38 of 47 | 80% | 43 of 52 | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 | 0 | 1:37 |
Significant Strikes
| Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ryan Loder | 1 of 2 | 50% | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 42 of 52 | 80% | 41 of 51 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 2 | 0 of 0 | 41 of 50 |
Significant Strikes Per Round
| Rd | Fighter | Sig. Str. | Sig. Str. % | Head | Body | Leg | Distance | Clinch | Ground |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Ryan Loder | 0 of 1 | 0% | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 4 of 5 | 80% | 3 of 4 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 3 of 4 | |
| 2 | Ryan Loder | 1 of 1 | 100% | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 1 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 |
| Robert Valentin | 38 of 47 | 80% | 38 of 47 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 0 | 0 of 1 | 0 of 0 | 38 of 46 |
Play-by-Play
View on SherdogBETTING PREVIEW | SCOUTING REPORT | ODDS: Loder (+165), Valentin (-190)
Round 1
Only one competitor reps Team Shevchenko in the two finals matches, and Loder (6-1, 0-0 UFC) has the weight of his team on his shoulders. While Loder outworked Omran Chaaban in the semis, Valentin (10-3, 1 NC; 0-0 UFC) blew through the opposition with two first-round stoppages to come in as the odds-on favorite. Things will get underway under the watchful eye of referee Mark Smith, and he watches the middleweights slowly work towards one another without touching gloves to get started. Loder moves forward, and he lifts Valentin up and deposits him to the mat. Valentin threatens with a triangle choke off his back, allowing him to flip over and get to his hands and knees. Loder holds on from the side, and Valentin rolls over and ends up falling to his back. Loder attacks with a scarf hold and an armlock, and Valentin rolls all the way through the submission to miraculously take Loder’s back. Valentin gets his hooks in, and Loder scrambles madly to work his way to his knees. Valentin slides another hook in, and he flattens Loder out while sneaking a rear-naked choke under the chin. Loder ignores the choke and punches his opponent in the side of the head, and he stops punching and hand-fights. Loder sits up as the choke falls off, and he is dragged to his back as Valentin looks for another rear-naked choke. Through sheer force of will, Loder turns himself around in the body lock, and he winds up in top position. Loder slowly does work on top, opening up with the occasional elbow while Valentin keeps his guard closed. Loder opens the guard up with ground strikes, and Valentin responds with elbows off his back. Loder grinds the remainder of the round out.
Sherdog Scores
Jay Pettry scores the round: 10-9 Loder
Brian Knapp scores the round: 10-9 Loder
Tyler Treese scores the round: 10-9 Loder
Round 2
Loder reintroduces himself to start the round with a winging right hand, using it as a way to close the distance. Valentin knows what is coming, but he cannot stop it. A takedown from Loder dumps him on the ground, and he claims side control and starts to set up the crucifix position. With Valentin’s right arm between his legs and the left arm stuck on the other side, Loder is able to hammer Valentin with elbows. Valentin bucks and kicks, trying to push off the fencing and move any way he can, but Loder is flat on top of him battering him with elbows.
Smith keeps a close eye on the action, and the elbows start to mark Valentin’s face up and rip open a tiny cut on the cheek. Valentin defends his face but is taking damage, and that is all he is able to do. Loder does not let him off the hook, elbowing him with impunity until Smith has to call a halt to the match.
Just like that, "The Man of Steel" notches the slight upset and crowns himself the winner of TUF’s Season 32 at 185 pounds. In the cage, he is greeted with his trophy held by ring girl Red Dela Cruz, and not even coach Valentina Shevchenko appears to be in the building to celebrate her fighter pulling off the win.
The Official Result
Ryan Loder def. Robert Valentin R2 1:49 via TKO (Elbows)
Angelo picks Ryan Loder, describing him as a boring but effective wrestler who excels at controlling the fight. He notes that Loder will likely shoot takedowns when Valentin throws spinning attacks, and that Loder's grinding style should win the minutes. He expresses hope that Valentin wins because Loder's style is bad for the sport, but picks Loder nonetheless.
Cody picks Loder because of his power wrestling and ability to grind out a decision. He notes Loder is a D1 All-American wrestler who can take opponents down and control them for 15 minutes. He thinks Valentin's path to victory is striking, but Loder's wrestling will neutralize that. He also mentions that Valentin's wins on TUF were against weak competition.
Daniel Vreeland picks Ryan Loder, citing his D1 wrestling pedigree and ability to take down Valentin, who is susceptible to takedowns. He warns that Loder must actually use his wrestling and not stand and bang, but believes the path to victory is clear.
JP picks Valentin by decision, thinking he is better on the feet and has decent enough grappling to stuff takedowns. He also thinks Valentin is a smarter fighter. He is not betting this fight. Brevin disagrees strongly, picking Loder as an underdog, praising his high IQ wrestling and ground-and-pound. Brevin notes Valentin's competition has been abysmal and he gets taken down easily.
Paul admits he hasn't watched much of TUF and doesn't have a strong opinion. He notes that both fighters are unproven and the fight is a coin flip. He says he needs to do more research before making a pick.
The MMA Guru picks Robert Valentin because he sees him as a more diverse finisher with underrated jiu-jitsu and nasty elbows. He acknowledges Ryan Loder's wrestling credentials but thinks Valentin can latch up a submission from anywhere. He notes Valentin has been a pro since 2016 and trains with good partners in Switzerland.
Expert Picks (4)
Angelo picks Ateba Gautier, citing his speed, power, and combinations. He notes that Robert Valentin is a creative but hittable striker who doesn't wrestle early. He believes Gautier will be too much on the feet and finish early.
Big Brady picks Ateba Gautier, citing his dynamite power and physical strength. He notes Gautier knocked out durable Jose Medina and expects him to finish Robert Valentin in the first round. He believes Valentin will stand and trade, which favors Gautier.
The host notes Gautier is a physical specimen but still young at 23, and Valentin could make things difficult. He picks Gautier to land a big shot and put Valentin away, but warns not to get carried away with the minus 500 odds, indicating hesitation.
The MMA Guru picks Ateba Gautier over Robert Valentin, predicting a first or second-round TKO. He notes that Valentin is wild and often jumps into his strikes, lifting his chin, which Gautier can exploit. Gautier is described as a young prospect with potential, though he showed some problems in his Contender Series fight. The Guru acknowledges that Valentin is dangerous and has finishing potential, but believes Gautier will find the chin and finish him.
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