Preview: UFC Mexico Prelims

Middleweights

Ateba Abega Gautier (6-1, 0-0 UFC) vs. Jose Medina (11-4, 0-1 UFC)

ODDS: Gautier (-470), Medina (+360)

Medina was one of the more surprising signings in Contender Series history, as he got a contract coming off of a loss in 2023. It was worth the flier to see what Medina had to offer given his success on the Bolivian regional scene, but against Magomed Gadzhiyasulov, all he really had to offer was durability. Gadzhiyasulov teed off at will, only for Medina to maintain his bravado and keep marching forward. If there was any hope for Medina to succeed inside the UFC, it was the idea that cutting down from a flabby light heavyweight frame to middleweight could unlock some sort of athletic potential. However, his UFC debut against Zachary Reese was more of the same, with Medina eating a ton of offense and wearing down his opponent but offering little in return. Now he takes on a newcomer in Gautier, who becomes the latest to try and knock Medina out. Born in Cameroon and training out of England, Gautier is a raw athlete who hits hard and still has the potential to improve at just 22 years old. Gautier’s Contender Series fight was a bit ugly, as he got outwrestled before scoring a second-round knockout, so there is potentially a path to victory if Medina can turn this into an absolute grind. With that said, even a neutralized and exhausted Gautier figures to have a few moments of dynamic offense per round, which should still be enough to coast to a win even if Medina remains sickeningly durable. The pick is Gautier via decision.

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