Middleweight, Yura Naito (6-0) vs. Ateba Abega Gautier (5-1)
Notable Notes
- Both have a combined nine first-round finishes
- Naito is a former Pancrase middleweight champion.
- Naito has wins by submission, KO/TKO, and decision.
Yura Naito
Pros
- Knockout power
- Submission threat
- Good timing on takedowns
- Fast starter
- Heavy ground and pound
- Credible wrestling
Cons
- N/A
Ateba Abega Gautier
Pros
- Athletic
- Good kickboxing
- Explosive
- Diverse
- Good clinch work
Cons
- TDD needs work
- Poor cardio
Boxing: Naito
Kickboxing: Gautier
Speed: Gautier
Output/Volume: Gautier
Footwork/Movement: Gautier
Striking defense: Naito
Wrestling: Naito
Grappling: Naito
Gas tank: Naito
Prediction: This is a fun DWCS fight between two finishers. Gautier is this explosive striker/kickboxer. Naito is a complete fighter who can finish a fight in multiple ways. Both these guys have fought terrible competition but the difference is Gautier has lost once. Throughout his career, Gautier struggled with takedown defense and in that fight with Glenn Williams, he showed his cardio is lacking. Naito hasn’t really shown any holes but the footage lacks.
Naito is going to be at a speed disadvantage and although he can get the knockout he’s taking a risk with Gautier on the feet. The path to victory is there for Naito, which is to use his wrestling. Gautier has been taken down by lesser guys so I’m positive Naito can do the same. I think Naito can get the takedown and the eventual TKO. I’ve got Naito by TKO in the second round and I’m 35% confident.
