There’s a possibility of a new contender joining the flyweight division this Saturday night. The first UFC Fight Night under the Paramount era is set for February 7th at the Apex, featuring a bantamweight main event between top-ranked Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira. While several notable fighters are expected to participate, flyweight Said Nurmagomedov will not be competing as planned. The Dagestani athlete was removed from UFC Vegas 113 due to visa complications, leading to the cancellation of his bout against Javed Basharat. Luckily, the UFC has already secured a replacement for Nurmagomedov.
Nurmagomedov, who lost his previous fight to Bryce Mitchell—the American’s debut in the 135-pound division—was hoping to earn his first victory since October 2023. He also fell short last year against Oliveira, one of the upcoming event’s headliners. With Nurmagomedov now sidelined, rising fighters from regional circuits have an opportunity to step up.
The news of Nurmagomedov’s withdrawal coincided with the announcement that Gianni Vazquez is stepping in as a replacement. Vazquez, a flyweight champion under the Up Next Fighting banner, holds a 13-4-1 record and has won his last four bouts through a mix of knockout, submission, and decision victories. The Mexican contender has been advocating for a UFC chance for months, even publicly challenging Dana White and the matchmakers last October. He had most recently asked to fight in Mexico City during the UFC event scheduled for February 28th. Now, Vazquez gets the chance to prove himself before the UFC’s return to his home country.
Vazquez will face Javed Basharat at UFC Vegas 113, while Basharat’s younger brother, Farid Basharat, is also featured on the main card against Gene Matsumoto.
Fan Take: This late change brings fresh excitement to UFC Vegas 113, offering a regional standout like Gianni Vazquez a pivotal UFC debut opportunity. Such moments are crucial for the sport, as they showcase the depth of talent beyond the established stars and keep the flyweight division dynamic and competitive.
