The year 2026 is shaping up to be a big one for the UFC, and UFC 324 looks ready to set the tone right from the start.
The card is stacked with exciting matchups, but one fight in particular has captured the attention of fans and analysts alike, a middleweight clash between Ateba Gautier and Andrey Pulyaev.
This is not a title fight, yet it feels just as important. Both fighters are at a stage where a strong performance could push them into serious conversations within the middleweight division.
With contrasting styles, growing hype, and clear strengths on both sides, this matchup has become one of the most talked-about fights on the UFC 324 card.
In this article, we break down the fight, analyze both athletes, and give a clear Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev prediction based strictly on the points provided.
UFC 324 and the Importance of a Strong 2026 Opening
UFC events at the beginning of the year often play a key role in shaping divisions for the months ahead. UFC 324 is expected to be one of those cards.
A strong start can set narratives, introduce new stars, and create momentum that carries throughout the year.
The middleweight division, in particular, has always been one of the UFC’s most competitive weight classes. It is filled with power punchers, skilled wrestlers, and fighters who can finish a fight in seconds.
Placing Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev on this card shows that the UFC sees something special in this matchup.
Fans are not just watching to see who wins. They are watching to see who belongs at the next level.
Why Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev Is Catching So Much Attention
There are a few clear reasons why this fight is drawing eyes from all over the MMA world:
- Two fighters with very different styles
- A dangerous striker versus a versatile, wrestling-based fighter
- Both men are still building their UFC legacy
- A fight that could end suddenly or turn into a technical battle
When styles clash like this, predictions become difficult, which only adds to the excitement. Everyone has an opinion on who will win, and that debate has made this fight one of the most discussed matchups at UFC 324.
Ateba Gautier: The Rising Knockout Threat
Ateba Gautier is entering UFC 324 with serious momentum behind him. His record stands at 9 wins and 1 loss, and what really stands out is how those wins were achieved.
Gautier’s Record and Finishing Ability
Out of his 9 victories, 8 have come by knockout. That number alone tells the story. Gautier is not a fighter who looks to point-fight or edge out close decisions. When he wins, he wins in a clear and often brutal way.
Knockout power is not something that can be taught easily. Gautier has it naturally, and he knows how to use it.
His striking combinations are effective, fast, and heavy. He does not throw wild punches; instead, he picks his shots and connects with purpose.
Striking Style and Physical Strength
One of the most impressive things about Gautier is how strong he looks inside the cage. He carries power in every strike, whether it is a jab, a hook, or a finishing combination.
His ability to land clean shots makes opponents hesitant, and once that hesitation sets in, Gautier takes control.
Many fans have compared his presence to Francis Ngannou, especially when it comes to raw power.
While Gautier is still building his name, the comparison shows how dangerous people believe he can be.
Hype Around Ateba Gautier
The hype around Gautier is not coming from one place, it is coming from everywhere. Fans, commentators, and MMA pages are all talking about him.
Fighters who finish fights tend to attract attention quickly, and Gautier is doing exactly that.
UFC 324 is another chance for him to prove that this hype is real.
Andrey Pulyaev: The Russian Test
On the other side of the octagon stands Andrey Pulyaev, a fighter coming out of Russia. Russian fighters have built a reputation in MMA for one major reason- wrestling.
Pulyaev fits that image but also brings more to the table.
Pulyaev’s Record and Versatility
Pulyaev enters the fight with a 10 wins and 3 losses record. While his record may not look as explosive as Gautier’s, it shows something else: experience and adaptability.
His wins have come through:
- TKO
- Submission
- Decision
This tells us that Pulyaev is comfortable winning fights in different ways. He can finish if the opportunity presents itself, but he can also grind out a victory over three rounds if needed.
Wrestling and Ground Control
If there is one area where Pulyaev has a clear advantage, it is wrestling. Fighters from Russia are often trained from a young age to control opponents, secure takedowns, and dominate on the ground.
For Pulyaev, the game plan seems clear. If he can get Gautier to the mat, he can slow down the fight, limit the striking exchanges, and work from top position. This is the safest path for him.
The Risk in Striking Exchanges
While Pulyaev is capable of striking, going toe-to-toe with Gautier is dangerous. Gautier’s power and combinations give him an edge in stand-up battles.
If Pulyaev chooses to strike for extended periods, he risks getting caught, and that is something no fighter wants against a knockout artist.
Key Matchup Breakdown: Striker vs Wrestler
This fight comes down to a classic MMA question: can the wrestler control the striker, or will the striker keep the fight standing?
If Pulyaev Gets the Takedown
If Andrey Pulyaev successfully secures takedowns, the fight changes immediately. On the ground, he can:
- Drain Gautier’s energy
- Avoid heavy strikes
- Look for submissions or ground-and-pound
However, even here, Gautier’s strength plays a role. The expectation is that Gautier will do everything possible to bring the fight back to his feet.
His physical power could make it difficult for Pulyaev to hold him down for long periods.
If the Fight Stays Standing
If the fight remains standing, the advantage clearly shifts to Ateba Gautier. His striking is sharper, more powerful, and more dangerous.
In a striking battle, Gautier’s chances of landing a fight-ending shot are much higher.
Pulyaev would need to be extremely careful, pick his shots wisely, and avoid extended exchanges.
Mental Pressure and Expectations
Another important factor is pressure.
Gautier is coming in with hype. While hype can motivate a fighter, it can also add pressure. Fans expect him to deliver a knockout. How he handles that expectation matters.
Pulyaev, on the other hand, comes in as the quieter threat. He has less hype but more ways to win. This can sometimes make a fighter more relaxed and patient.
Still, when power meets patience, power often decides the outcome.
Ateba Gautier vs Andrey Pulyaev Prediction
After breaking down both fighters, their styles, and their strengths, the prediction becomes clearer.
- Ateba Gautier: 70% chance to win
- Andrey Pulyaev: 30% chance to win
The reasoning is simple:
- Gautier’s knockout power is a constant danger
- He has finished most of his fights
- His striking is more effective than Pulyaev’s
- Even if taken down, his strength gives him a chance to stand back up
Pulyaev’s path to victory exists, mainly through wrestling and control. But it requires near-perfect execution. One mistake on the feet could end the fight instantly.
Final Opinion: Who Wins at UFC 324?
In our opinion, Ateba Gautier is the favorite to win this fight. His power, confidence, and finishing ability give him the edge in this middleweight matchup.
UFC 324 is expected to be a strong opening event for UFC in 2026, and a statement win from Gautier would only add to that momentum.
If he delivers another knockout, his name will move even higher in the middleweight conversation.