Javid Basharat vs Gianni Vazquez collide in a 135-pound bout. This matchup pits a ranked contender against a hungry opponent making the most of an opportunity, and it has significant implications for both men’s UFC futures.
Here’s an in-depth breakdown of their styles, career momentum, and fight prediction.
Fighter Profiles
Javid Basharat – “The Snow Leopard”
Javid Basharat is a 14-2-0 (1 NC) professional MMA fighter currently competing in the UFC’s bantamweight division.
Born in Afghanistan and trained out of England, Basharat stands 5’9” with a 69-inch reach, bringing a blend of striking and grappling skills to the Octagon.
Basharat’s record reflects six submission wins, five by TKO, and three decisions, showing versatility across ranges.
While he’s had setbacks recently, including back-to-back losses, his experience against solid competition at the UFC level gives him an edge in high-pressure moments.
Gianni Vazquez – “Kriptonita”
Gianni Vazquez enters this fight with a 13-4-1 professional record, fighting out of Mexico.
Originally a flyweight competitor, Vazquez is stepping in on short notice to challenge Basharat, which adds intrigue but also uncertainty to his performance.
At 5’7” and slightly smaller, Vazquez is known for his five-fight winning streak, a sign of confidence and momentum heading into this matchup.
However, his lack of reach data and adjustment to bantamweight raises questions about how well his tools translate at 135 lbs.
Javid Basharat vs Gianni Vazquez: Head-to-Head Comparison
| Attribute | Javid Basharat | Gianni Vazquez |
|---|---|---|
| Record | 14-2-0 (1 NC) | 13-4-1 |
| UFC Experience | Multiple UFC fights | UFC debut replacement |
| Reach | 69″ | — |
| Recent Form | Two losses | Five wins |
Basharat holds clear advantages in experience and ranking within the UFC. He has faced a deeper slate of opponents and knows how to navigate the Octagon against varied styles.
Vazquez’s winning streak is impressive, but most of his competition came outside the UFC, making this step up significant.
Odds Insight
The betting markets for the UFC Fight Night: Bautista vs. Oliveira event show fighters like Mario Bautista as favorites in the main event, but preliminary bout odds for Basharat vs. Vazquez aren’t always listed individually in every database.
Still, similar fight cards have Basharat installed as the more likely winner in his matchup by most oddsmakers and analysts, based on experience and UFC pedigree.
In general, on this card:
- Mario Bautista is favored against Vinicius Oliveira.
- Farid Basharat (another relative unknown) also attracted favorable odds in his fight on the same event.
While specific odds for Javid vs. Gianni aren’t widely published, the wider betting picture suggests the UFC and sportsbook markets lean toward fighters with established UFC resumes in these slots.
Style Breakdown
Basharat’s Advantages
- Striking versatility: Basharat mixes powerful striking with takedown setups, making him unpredictable.
- Submission threat: With six submission victories, he can end fights on the ground if the opportunity arises.
- UFC experience: Having fought several times in the world’s top MMA promotion equips him with adaptability under pressure.
Vazquez’s Chances
- Momentum: A five-fight win streak gives confidence entering this bout.
- Freshness: Stepping in cold sometimes benefits fighters with nothing to lose, potentially making Vazquez unpredictable.
However, Vazquez may need more time to adjust to the bantamweight pace and Basharat’s reach advantage.
Prediction: Basharat Likely To Prevail
Taking all factors into account, experience, fight IQ, and the stakes of this UFC prelim, Javid Basharat is the favorite to take this fight.
His blend of striking and grappling gives him paths to victory, whether the bout stays standing or goes to the mat.
Vazquez’s momentum and recent wins shouldn’t be overlooked, but the UFC jump and size disadvantage may limit his ceiling in this matchup.
A decision win for Basharat seems the most probable outcome, with a finish possible if Vazquez leaves an opening early.
Final Thoughts
Javid Basharat vs. Gianni Vazquez delivers an intriguing stylistic contrast at UFC Fight Night 266. Basharat’s established UFC experience and overall game plan give him the edge, while Vazquez’s rise makes him a dangerous opponent who could surprise on any given night. Fans should expect a tactical fight that tests both men’s timing, cardio, and adaptability in the Octagon.
Stay tuned as fight week unfolds and the latest odds and expert insights become available ahead of this exciting bantamweight showdown.