Gautier On Haters Ahead Of UFC 332

Ateba Gautier says the critics come with the territory.

The undefeated UFC middleweight, who faces Roman Kopylov at UFC 332 this Saturday in Salt Lake City, told UFC.com that he welcomes the backlash that followed his decision win over Andrey Pulyaev earlier this year. "I don't hope for anything — no matter what you do in life, you do good, there is haters; you do bad, there is haters," Gautier said, per MMA Mania. "So, no matter what they say, if it's 'Oh, good' — it's no problem. I'm just trying to do my job."

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Why Gautier Believes Criticism Sharpens His Game

The 24-year-old prospect built his reputation on finishes and aggression, but his first UFC decision brought questions about competition level. Gautier says he mines the negative comments for useful feedback. "You look at the comment and if what they say is true, then just fix it," he explained. "But even if what they say is wrong or they try and insult me — it's fine. As a man, I just try and take the good with the bad." He added that universal approval would worry him more than hate.

Kopylov represents a clear step up in class — a former top-15 middleweight who has fought elite competition. A strong showing would answer the doubters, though Gautier says he expects the haters to stick around regardless. "You can't conquer people's opinion, no matter what you do," he said. "And if everyone is on your side, that's not good as well. So you need haters. You need them."

🎟️ Get tickets: Buy tickets to UFC 332 on Ticketmaster →

UFC 332 airs Saturday from Delta Center with the main card on Paramount Plus.

Reported via:

• MMA Mania — Ateba Gautier isn’t afraid of the haters ahead of UFC 332 breakthrough fight: ‘You need them’