LAS VEGAS, NV – – Javid Basharat is set to face Gianni Vazquez in a catchweight bout at the UFC’s APEX facility in Las Vegas. The fight, announced earlier today, adds another compelling matchup to an already intriguing fight card.
Basharat, nicknamed “The Snow Leopard,” boasts a professional MMA record of 14 wins, 2 losses, and 1 no contest, according to Tapology. The Afghan-born English fighter currently competes in the bantamweight division of the UFC, as noted by Wikipedia. He has demonstrated a diverse skillset, securing victories by knockout, technical knockout, submission, and decision. His recent fight history, detailed on ESPN, shows a loss to Ricky Simon by TKO on , following a unanimous decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi on .
The 30-year-old Basharat, standing at 5’9” and weighing 136 lbs, fights out of American Top Team and utilizes an orthodox stance. His journey to the UFC has been marked by consistent success, beginning with a string of victories in smaller promotions. He secured wins via submission in both Oktagon MMA and UCMMA events in 2020, showcasing his grappling prowess. Prior to that, in 2021, he earned a submission victory on Dana White’s Contender Series, paving the way for his entry into the UFC.
Basharat’s early career was defined by a ten-fight winning streak, a testament to his dedication, and skill. He has secured five wins by TKO/KO, six by submission, and three by decision, demonstrating a well-rounded approach to mixed martial arts. His submission victories include notable finishes using the rear-naked choke and the brabo choke, highlighting his proficiency in ground fighting.
The upcoming bout against Vazquez represents a crucial opportunity for Basharat to regain momentum after consecutive losses. His recent performance against Ricky Simon, ending in a first-round TKO, was a setback, but his overall record and demonstrated skill set suggest he remains a formidable competitor in the bantamweight division.
While Basharat’s career earnings are currently listed as $0 USD on Tapology, his presence in the UFC and continued participation in high-profile fights suggest his earning potential is significant. The UFC Vegas 113 weigh-in results, reported today, indicate that both fighters successfully made weight for the catchweight contest.
The fight against Vazquez is particularly noteworthy given the recent issues with fighters missing weight in the UFC, as highlighted in reports from UFCstats.com. The fact that both competitors successfully met the weight requirements underscores their professionalism and commitment to the contest.
Basharat’s Tapology profile indicates a current ranking of 3-2, 1 NC within the UFC’s bantamweight division, placing him at #48 of 76 fighters in the weight class. This ranking reflects the competitive nature of the division and the challenges Basharat faces as he strives to climb the ranks.
The catchweight nature of the bout adds an interesting dynamic. While both fighters weighed in at 135.5 lbs, the agreement to compete outside of their typical weight class could indicate strategic considerations from either camp. It remains to be seen how this will impact the fight’s pacing and overall strategy.
Born in Paktia, Afghanistan, Basharat’s journey to becoming a professional MMA fighter is a compelling story of perseverance and dedication. Fighting out of England, he represents a growing international presence within the UFC, adding to the diversity and global appeal of the sport.
The fight on promises to be a thrilling contest between two skilled fighters. Basharat will be looking to leverage his diverse skillset and experience to secure a victory, while Vazquez will undoubtedly aim to capitalize on any vulnerabilities and establish himself as a rising contender in the UFC.
