Gianni “Kriptonita” Vasquez
The octagon silence is finally breaking. After a long six-week hiatus, the UFC returns to action this Saturday, February 7, 2026. The promotion heads home to the newly named Meta APEX in Las Vegas to kick off a lucrative new broadcast era. While the headline bout features bantamweight contenders Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira, the real drama is unfolding on the prelims. A sudden cancellation threatened the card, but a hungry newcomer has answered the call.
A High Stakes Short Notice Gamble
Fight week chaos is a tradition in combat sports. Just days before the event, veteran Said Nurmagomedov withdrew from his scheduled bout. This left Javid “The Snow Leopard” Basharat without a dance partner. However, the UFC matchmakers found a willing volunteer. Enter Gianni “Kriptonita” Vasquez.
Vasquez is not just filling a spot; he is coming to make a statement. In a 2025 interview, he famously stated, “You can’t call yourself a fighter if you don’t want to fight.” He is living up to those words now. By accepting this fight on extremely short notice, he saves the preliminary card. Consequently, fans will witness a clash of desperate ambition versus veteran experience.
The Rise of Gianni Vasquez
Gianni Vasquez (13-4-1) enters the UFC with significant momentum. The Mexican-American standout is currently riding a five-fight winning streak. Furthermore, he is a 5-time MMA UNF Champion who has dominated the regional scene. His resume is impressive. He is currently ranked #2 in California and #2 in the entire US West and North American region for pro flyweights.
His recent performances have been devastating. Under the Up Next Fighting (UNF) banner, he secured three finishes, all occurring in the second round. Notably, he handed current top-10 UFC bantamweight David Martinez his only career loss in 2021. That split-decision victory proved Vasquez belongs with the elite. Now, with a polished Muay Thai game and a suffocating ground-and-pound attack, “Kriptonita” looks to replicate that success on the world’s biggest stage.
Basharat Seeks Career Redemption
On the other side of the cage, Javid Basharat (14-2-0) finds himself in a must-win situation. The Afghan fighter burst onto the scene via Dana White’s Contender Series in 2021. He started his career with a flawless 14-0 run, looking like a future champion.
However, the entertainment industry is unforgiving, and so is the fight game. Basharat’s momentum stalled recently. After a No Contest against Victor Henry, he suffered a decision loss to Aiemann Zahabi. Matters worsened in 2025 when he was knocked out by Ricky Simon. Now, facing a dangerous newcomer with nothing to lose, Basharat must prove he has evolved. A loss here to a short-notice debutant could be catastrophic for his ranking.
Explosive Styles Collide in Vegas
This matchup is a classic trap game. Basharat has had a full training camp, preparing for a specific opponent. Conversely, Vasquez is coming in on adrenaline and instinct. Yet, history shows that short-notice replacements often carry a dangerous unpredictability.
Vasquez possesses an aggressive advantage. He pushes the pace and looks for the finish, as seen in his recent submission of Austin Russell. If Basharat plays it safe, Vasquez’s pressure could overwhelm him. Ultimately, Saturday night will reveal the truth. Will “The Snow Leopard” regain his footing, or will “Kriptonita” expose him? Don’t miss the first UFC Fight Night of 2026.
