Basharat Bounces Back with Unanimous Decision Over Vazquez
Javid Basharat earned a crucial comeback victory Saturday at UFC Vegas 113, defeating short-notice replacement Gianni Vazquez by unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28) at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.
The bantamweight bout marked a significant turnaround for Basharat, who entered the fight riding back-to-back losses to Aiemann Zahabi and Ricky Simon. The win provides momentum for the highly touted prospect as he looks to rebuild his UFC standing.
Fight Breakdown: A Competitive Test
Basharat controlled the opening round with a deliberate striking game plan, featuring heavy body and leg kicks that forced Vazquez into desperation. A powerful right-hand counter from Basharat dropped Vazquez early, though the newcomer managed to recover and survive the initial onslaught.
Round two provided the most competitive action, with Vazquez nearly turning the tide. The short-notice replacement landed a clubbing right hand that badly hurt Basharat roughly two minutes into the round. However, Vazquez failed to capitalize on the opportunity, allowing Basharat time to recover and secure a single-leg takedown. Basharat closed the round strong, advancing to mount position and landing several elbows.
In the final round, Vazquez came out aggressively with body-to-head combinations, but Basharat’s superior grappling control prevailed. The “Snow Leopard” displayed his craftiness in top control, ultimately securing Vazquez’s back before the final bell sounded.
Vazquez Steps In on Short Notice
Gianni Vazquez stepped in on just two days’ notice to replace Said Nurmagomedov on the card. The LFA and Fury FC veteran, competing at a catchweight of 141 pounds after missing weight, brought a winning record into the UFC Vegas 113 bout, entering with four consecutive victories in regional competition.
Despite the loss, Vazquez’s willingness to accept a high-profile short-notice fight demonstrates his commitment to earning a foothold in the UFC. The 31-year-old veteran will look to return as he builds his resume on the sport’s biggest stage.
Looking Ahead
For Basharat, the victory provides critical breathing room in his UFC tenure. The fighter will aim to build on this comeback win and work toward reclaiming the trajectory he established early in his octagon career. His brother, Farid Basharat, also competed on Saturday’s UFC Vegas 113 card.
