UFC Bantamweight Fight Saved by Last-Minute Replacement

Gianni Vazquez steps in to face Javid Basharat after Said Nurmagomedov withdraws from UFC Vegas 113 card

Feb. 5, 2026 at 4:55pm

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The UFC matchmakers had to scramble to find a replacement fighter for the UFC Vegas 113 card after bantamweight Said Nurmagomedov was forced to withdraw from his bout against Javid Basharat just hours before the event. The promotion was able to sign UNF flyweight champion Gianni Vazquez to make his UFC debut on short notice against Basharat.

Why it matters

The UFC often has to deal with late fighter withdrawals, and their ability to quickly find suitable replacements is crucial to keeping fight cards intact. This last-minute change highlights the promotion's depth of talent and their willingness to give opportunities to up-and-coming fighters like Vazquez to make their UFC debuts.

The details

Nurmagomedov, the cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov, was originally scheduled to face Basharat on the UFC Vegas 113 card. However, Nurmagomedov had to withdraw due to travel issues just hours before the event. The UFC matchmakers then signed Vazquez, the reigning UNF flyweight champion, to step in and make his promotional debut against Basharat at a catchweight.

  • Said Nurmagomedov was originally scheduled to fight Javid Basharat at UFC Vegas 113.
  • Nurmagomedov withdrew from the fight just hours before the event was set to take place.

The players

Said Nurmagomedov

UFC bantamweight fighter and cousin of UFC Hall of Famer Khabib Nurmagomedov.

Javid Basharat

UFC bantamweight fighter scheduled to face Nurmagomedov at UFC Vegas 113.

Gianni Vazquez

Reigning UNF flyweight champion who is making his UFC debut on short notice against Basharat.

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What they’re saying

“The UFC matchmakers are often busy not only putting fights together, but making sure they don't fall apart.”

— Curtis Calhoun, Author

What’s next

Vazquez will make his UFC debut against Basharat at UFC Vegas 113 this Saturday.

The takeaway

The UFC's ability to quickly find replacement fighters on short notice is crucial to keeping their events running smoothly, even when late withdrawals occur. This last-minute change provides an opportunity for an up-and-coming fighter like Vazquez to make his mark on the biggest stage in MMA.