Few anticipate an upset at UFC 320 as the fighter nicknamed `mini Francis Ngannou` prepares to enter the octagon.
Following a Perth event plagued by five cancelled bouts, fans are eagerly hoping that this Saturday`s UFC 320 pay-per-view in Las Vegas proceeds smoothly.
Although the main card remains solid—featuring the highly anticipated light heavyweight rematch between Magomed Ankalaev and Alex Pereira, and Merab Dvalishvili`s bantamweight title defense against Cory Sandhagen—the preliminary card has already seen a significant change.
Ozzy Diaz was initially scheduled to face Ateba Gautier, a formidable middleweight from Cameroon often referred to as `mini Ngannou`, in a prominent preliminary bout. A medical issue, however, forced Diaz to withdraw. Fortunately, the promotion swiftly secured a new opponent.
Ateba Gautier Finds New Opponent in Treston Vines on Short Notice
Despite Petr Yan`s suggestion for a replacement, UFC officials opted for a different fighter. Treston Vines will now step in, with his management announcing his last-minute debut via social media.
The 29-year-old Vines boasts a 10-3 professional record, though all his defeats have been quite decisive. After a swift 26-second knockout loss in the Cage Fury Fighting Championships in 2023, Vines has strung together four consecutive victories across various regional promotions.
With 10 first-round finishes in his combined amateur and professional career, Vines is no stranger to quick fights. However, he will face an opponent equally adept at swift finishes this Saturday at T-Mobile Arena.
Gautier`s impressive 70-second knockout at UFC 318 last July was his sixth first-round stoppage out of eight total career wins. `The Silent Assassin` will undoubtedly aim to extend this record against his new adversary this Saturday.
Fans Express Grave Concerns for Treston Vines Facing Gautier
The news of Gautier`s UFC 320 bout being salvaged with a replacement opponent drew swift reactions from fans.
Considering Vines` history of brutal losses and his less-than-stellar performance in more prominent organizations, few observers expect him to last beyond the first round against a fighter likened to the sport`s most powerful striker.
“Bro is 1-3 in the actually good MMA companies and has been knocked out 3 times in R1… WTF did he do to fight Gautier on 4 days notice?”
“RIP Vines”
“Thoughts and prayers to him.”
“Poor guy.”
“-2500 line inbound.”
“It was fun knowing you, Treston Vines.”
“Thank you for your sacrifice Tristan.”
“This is like putting your own name in the death note.”
“Sounds like a rough debut.”
“Brave move, Vines volunteering to get hit by a truck!”
“Sanctioned homicide.”
