Prediction: Auteba Gautier via KO
I’m picking Gautier to get the win—and get it early—because the guy’s finally figured out how to use the freakish power he’s always had in a smarter, more dangerous way.
It used to be all about the knockout with Gautier. He’d load up, try to take your head off with every shot, and hope one landed clean. But now? He’s actually boxing. He’s flowing. He’s patient. He’s not just swinging wild hoping for the finish—he’s setting traps, picking his shots, and letting his timing and technique unlock the power that’s always been there. And when you’ve got that kind of natural explosiveness and you add real striking IQ on top of it? That’s a scary combo.
Valentin has a decent grappling base, and yeah, he can absolutely make this competitive if he finds a way to close the distance. But that’s a big “if.” Because getting past Gautier’s hands right now is a real problem. The shots come clean, fast, and with bad intentions. He’s not overextending anymore or giving easy entries. And if you make one wrong read trying to shoot in or clinch up, you’re eating something heavy and that will be the beginning of the end.