Few are predicting an upset at UFC 320 when the fighter dubbed `mini Francis Ngannou` steps into the cage.
After a Perth event that saw five fights canceled shortly before showtime, fans are keeping their fingers crossed, hoping that this Saturday`s UFC 320 pay-per-view event in Las Vegas will proceed without a hitch.
While the main card remains intact – headlined by light heavyweight champion Magomed Ankalaev`s rematch against Alex Pereira and Merab Dvalishvili`s bantamweight title defense against Cory Sandhagen – there has already been a change in the preliminary bouts.
Ozzy Diaz was scheduled to face Ateba Gautier, a powerful Cameroonian middleweight described as `mini Ngannou,` in the featured prelim. A medical issue forced the American to withdraw, but fortunately, the promotion quickly found a replacement.
Ateba Gautier Remains on UFC 320 Card, Faces 10-3 Treston Vines on Four Days` Notice
Petr Yan suggested an opponent for Gautier at UFC 320, but the executives chose a different path. Treston Vines will step in, with his management team confirming this late-notice debut booking on social media.
The 29-year-old boasts a 10-3 professional record, though all his losses came in rather brutal fashion. Since being knocked out in just 26 seconds under the Cage Fury Fighting Championships banner in 2023, Vines has secured four consecutive victories across various regional organizations.
As both an amateur and a professional, Vines has achieved 10 first-round finishes, and on October 4 at T-Mobile Arena, he will share the cage with someone more than accustomed to quick fights.
Gautier`s 70-second knockout at UFC 318 last July marked his sixth first-round stoppage out of eight career victories. `The Silent Assassin` will aim to add to that impressive tally at his new opponent`s expense this Saturday.
Fans Give Treston Vines Little Chance in Magomed Ankalaev vs. Alex Pereira Undercard Bout
Fans quickly reacted to the news that Gautier`s UFC 320 fight was saved by a replacement opponent.
Given the nature of Vines` defeats and his less-than-stellar record under more prominent banners, few seem to expect him to survive beyond the first round against a man compared to the sport`s hardest hitter. Public comments included:
“This guy is 1-3 in genuinely good MMA companies and has been knocked out three times in R1… What on earth did he do to fight Gautier on 4 days` notice?”
“RIP Vines”
“Thoughts and prayers to him.”
“Poor guy.”
“-2500 line coming soon.”
“It was good knowing you, Treston Vines.”
“Thank you for your sacrifice, Tristan.”
“This is like writing your own name in the Death Note.”
“Sounds like a rough debut.”
“Brave move, Vines, volunteering to get hit by a truck!”
“Sanctioned homicide.”