Middleweights Ateba Gautier and Ozzy Diaz closed out the UFC 328 preliminary card on Saturday.
Gautier remained undefeated in the UFC, while Diaz was 1-1 and entering off a win over Djorden Santos.
Ateba Gautier quickly got things started with a few combinations, leading with a double jab. Diaz retreated, as he was forced onto the back foot by the powerful Gautier. Trying to feint his way into range of the favorite, Diaz found some success showing a single leg, then wrapping up Gautier in the clinch.
The strength of Gautier allowed the middleweight to muscle his way back into striking range, where the top prospect started flowing, landing an assortment of punches to soften the high guard of Diaz. The biggest shot from Gautier was a nice uppercut up the middle, though overall, the big underdog in Ozzy Diaz survived any major shots early.
Into round two, Gautier was done playing around. A lead jab by Diaz was quickly returned with a massive right hand over the top by the -1400 favorite, crumpling Diaz to the mat as referee Gary Copeland rushed in to stop the fight.
In his post-fight interview with Joe Rogan, Gautier stated his desire to fight Israel Adesanya in the future. While that matchup seems unlikely, big things are ahead for the rising star as Ateba Gautier moves to 11-1 as a professional and 5-0 in the UFC.
Official Result: Ateba Gautier def. Ozzy Diaz by KO (punch), Round 2, 1:10
