A new face will get a chance to join the flyweight conversation this Saturday night.
It is the first UFC Fight Night since Paramount took over, and it is set for 7 February at the Apex. The main event features bantamweights Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira squaring off.
While several familiar names are still on the card, one has quietly dropped off: flyweight Said Nurmagomedov.
The Dagestani has reportedly pulled out of UFC Vegas 113 due to visa complications, cancelling his bout against Javid Basharat.
But it did not take long for the promotion to find a replacement…
Gianni Vazquez steps in on short notice to face Basharat at UFC Vegas 113
Nurmagomedov was looking to bounce back after defeats to Bryce Mitchell and Vinicius Oliveira, but now he will have to wait a bit longer for that opportunity.
However, his absence has given a new face the chance to step up.
Nurmagomedov’s withdrawal was first mentioned by @ClubDeLasMMA, who also revealed that Gianni Vazquez would be taking the spot.
Vazquez, known as ‘Kriptonita’, is the flyweight champion for Up Next Fighting. He has put together a strong run recently, with four straight wins across different methods – one by knockout, another by submission, and two more by decision.
The 31-year-old has been actively campaigning for a shot in the UFC. Last October he tagged Dana White and UFC matchmakers in a post asking for a fight, and more recently pushed for an appearance at the Mexico City event later this month.
Instead, he will make his debut before then when he faces Basharat on the prelims of UFC Vegas 113 at the Apex.
Adding another layer of interest, Javid’s brother Farid will also be on this card when he takes on Jean Matsumoto further up the bill.