'Mini Francis Ngannou' gets second UFC fight booked after knockout debut

Originally posted on MMA on SI | By Mathew Riddle | Last updated May 24, 2025 9:00 PM ET

UFC's 'middleweight Francis Ngannou,' Ateba Gautier, is all good to go for his second UFC fight.

Gautier (7-1) debuted with a knockout finish in March, finishing the durable José Medina with a knee in the first round.

While Medina was a lamb to slaughter after Dana White signed him to the UFC on a whim, Gautier's next fight is a great litmus test to see if he'll rise to the top.

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WHAT A DEBUT #UFCMexico

How about that first round KO from Ateba Gautier?! pic.twitter.com/7i7OJYbCiD
— UFC Europe (@UFCEurope) March 29, 2025

Ateba Gautier to fight TUF finalist Robert Valentin at UFC Nashville

As reported by Marcel Dorff on X, Gautier will fight The Ultimate Fighter finalist Robert Valentin at UFC Nashville on July 12.

#UFCNashville

Ateba Gautier returns for the first time since his knock-out win against Jose Medina earlier this year. He takes on Robert Valentin who will fight for his first official win in the UFC. (July 12th) pic.twitter.com/r9IcOxFaJv
— Marcel Dorff (@BigMarcel24) May 24, 2025

Valentin is 0-2 in the UFC, primarily due to holes in his grappling. While being a prolific finisher on the feet, 'Robzilla' has been out-controlled in his last two appearances.

He'll get a chance to strike against Gautier, who has won all but one professional fight by knockout. 'The Silent Assassin' earned his spot in the UFC with a second-round knockout on Dana White's Contender Series in September 2024.

UFC Nashville features the return of Derrick Lewis against Tallison Teixeira. The July 12 Fight Night is up to six fights with the addition of Gautier-Valentin (subject to change):