Joe Rogan holds a prominent position in the middleweight division’s landscape. As a longtime UFC color commentator, he has had the unique vantage point of observing top prospects up close throughout his extensive career. While many promising fighters haven’t lived up to their potential on MMA’s biggest platform, Rogan has also witnessed some rise to stardom. He now predicts that the 9-1 middleweight Ateba Gauthier will be among those who achieve greatness.
Ateba Gauthier, a rising star in the UFC, earned his contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2024 and has since maintained an undefeated record inside the Octagon. Originally from Cameroon, Gauthier is seen as the middleweight heir to former UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou, known for his size, power, and devastating finishes. His recent performance at UFC 320, where he decisively defeated Treston Bynes, showcased his lethal ability with an average fight time of just 2 minutes and 8 seconds across three fights. Rogan recently labeled Gauthier as “the future” of MMA during his podcast, praising his combination of power, speed, technique, and physical dominance.
Joe Rogan also acknowledges talent beyond the UFC, highlighting PFL standout Dakota Dicheva. With an unblemished 15-0 professional record, Dicheva continues to dominate her competition. Known for her knockout power and Muay Thai expertise, she recently impressed Rogan by defeating former UFC fighter Tyra Santos in November 2024. Rogan lauded her athleticism, skill, and the impact she has in the cage, suggesting she possesses both beauty and brutal effectiveness.
Fan Take: Joe Rogan’s endorsement of Ateba Gauthier as the sport’s future signals a potential new era of dominant middleweights, indicating exciting times ahead in MMA. For fighting fans, this means witnessing the rise of a powerhouse who could redefine the division and contribute to the sport’s ongoing evolution.
