Baysangur Susurkaev has been compared to Ateba Gautier, with both fighters being viewed as hungry prospects the UFC is actively promoting. When asked about a potential fight with the Cameroonian fighter, Susurkaev expressed confidence that he would easily defeat Gautier. He stated that Gautier only has his hands as a weapon and lacks other dimensions. Susurkaev claimed that if Gautier gets tired in a potential matchup, he would finish him, calling the fight "easy money." The post asks fans who would be the favorite in this prospective bout between the two rising UFC prospects.
Baysangur Susurkaev has publicly called out fellow UFC prospect Ateba Gautier, declaring the Cameroonian heavyweight would represent "easy money" if the two were ever matched up inside the octagon.
The comments came after observers began drawing comparisons between the two fighters, both regarded as hungry prospects the UFC has been actively showcasing. When asked directly about Gautier, Susurkaev was blunt in his assessment, suggesting the 24-year-old relies almost entirely on his hands and lacks the all-around skill set needed to compete with him. Susurkaev added that if Gautier fades late, he would capitalize and finish the fight.
Gautier, known as "The Silent Assassin," carries an 11-1 record and presents a physically imposing frame at six-foot-four with an 81-inch reach. The switch-stance fighter lands 4.44 significant strikes per minute at 48 percent accuracy, underscoring the boxing-heavy approach Susurkaev was referencing. His grappling output is minimal, with fewer than half a takedown per 15 minutes and no recorded submission attempts, lending some credence to the claim that his game is primarily built around the striking department.
Why it matters
- A matchup between two promoted UFC prospects carries real divisional momentum for whoever comes out on top
- Gautier's elite reach advantage at 81 inches would create an immediate stylistic puzzle for Susurkaev
- Susurkaev's callout puts pressure on the UFC to consider booking the fight, given both men are already on the organization's radar
- Gautier's limited grappling numbers make the ground game a potential area of vulnerability if Susurkaev chooses to exploit it
No official bout agreement has been announced, and it remains to be seen whether the UFC moves to formalize what Susurkaev is already treating as a foregone conclusion.
