In a recent episode of his wildly popular podcast, Joe Rogan singled out two combat sports athletes who have captured his attention and admiration. The conversation, which took place with comedian Shane Gillis in Austin, Texas in late 2025, focused on the exceptional talents of UFC middleweight Ateba Gautier and PFL standout Dakota Ditcheva.
Joe Rogan's Breakdown of UFC Phenom Ateba Gautier
Rogan dedicated significant time to analyzing the rapid ascent of Ateba Gautier, a 23-year-old fighter hailing from Cameroon. Competing in the UFC's 185-pound middleweight division, Gautier has compiled a formidable 9–1 professional record, with a stunning eight of those victories coming by way of knockout. Rogan emphasized that it's not just the results but the manner of them that is so impressive.
According to Rogan, Gautier's combination of raw power, blistering speed, and a preternaturally calm demeanour inside the octagon sets him apart. He pointed to the fighter's physical advantages—his height and reach—coupled with technically clean striking as a recipe that most opponents simply cannot solve. "Most of Gautier’s opponents do not last long once the fight begins," Rogan noted, underscoring the young fighter's finishing ability.
Gautier is coming off a dominant first-round knockout victory over Treston Vines at UFC 320 in October 2025. His momentum shows no signs of slowing, as he is already scheduled for his next challenge. He is set to face Andrey Pulyaev at UFC 324 next month in the United States. Rogan believes this upcoming bout represents another crucial test and a prime opportunity for Gautier to solidify his claim as a future top contender.
Why Dakota Ditcheva is a Nightmare for Women's MMA
Shifting focus to the women's side of the sport, Rogan heaped praise on England's Dakota Ditcheva, who competes in the Professional Fighters League (PFL). Rogan explained that Ditcheva's danger stems from her elite Muay Thai background, which she translates seamlessly into the MMA cage.
Her knockout power, Rogan detailed, is a product of flawless timing and pinpoint accuracy. He highlighted her devastating use of knees and elbows in close quarters, tools that become exceptionally effective once she closes the distance. Rogan also touched on a fascinating dichotomy in Ditcheva's presentation: her calm and stylish appearance outside the cage can lead to underestimation, a mistake opponents pay for dearly once the action starts.
"Once the fight starts, Dakota Ditcheva shows complete control," Rogan stated. He used her as a perfect example to argue that in combat sports, superficial looks are irrelevant; only skill and preparation truly matter. Her poised yet ferocious style makes her one of the most formidable fighters in women's MMA today.
The Verdict from a Veteran Voice
Joe Rogan's endorsements carry significant weight in the MMA community due to his decades of experience as a commentator and passionate fan. His identification of Ateba Gautier and Dakota Ditcheva as fighters to watch closely serves as a powerful signal of their potential. For Gautier, the path involves navigating the treacherous waters of the UFC middleweight division, starting with his imminent clash with Pulyaev. For Ditcheva, it's about continuing to showcase her striking mastery in the PFL and climbing towards championship gold. Both athletes have now received a notable vote of confidence from one of the sport's most influential voices.
