UFC Vegas 113 Loses Famous Family Member Competitor Days Before Event

"With the report first coming from MMA Latinoamerica on Thursday, Said Nurmagomedov has been forced to withdraw from UFC Vegas 113, also known as UFC Fight Night 266. The Russian bantamweight was booked against Javid Basharat (14-2, 1 NC), the elder of the Basharat brothers, on the prelims set for the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. His replacement, Gianni Vazquez (13-5), has confirmed the initial news as well as his status as a new addition to the roster."

"Nurmagomedov, who withdrew for currently undisclosed reasons, has had a great deal of difficulty getting to the UFC cage since he joined the roster in 2018. Thus far, he has only made 11 walks to the Octagon, with 2022 his high-water mark as he appeared thrice that year. Since 2023, he has fought twice, losing both outings to headliner Vinicius Oliveira and Bryce Mitchell."

"The debuting Vazquez has floated around the Latin American scene over the years, making his pro debut in his home country of Mexico in May 2014. The 31-year-old engaged in a one-off under the Combate Global banner in 2021, and he went on to join the Fury Fighting Championship and challenge for the promotion's belt. Since coming up short to ex-UFC name Edgar Chairez, Vazquez rattled off five victories with Up Next Fighting in California, winning and defending its title before getting the call up."

Said Nurmagomedov withdrew from UFC Vegas 113 (UFC Fight Night 266) for undisclosed reasons and will not face Javid Basharat at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Gianni Vazquez has been added as the replacement and confirmed the booking. Nurmagomedov has struggled with activity since joining the UFC in 2018, making only 11 Octagon appearances and losing twice since 2023 to Vinicius Oliveira and Bryce Mitchell, with seven scheduled bouts falling through. Vazquez turned pro in Mexico in 2014, fought across Latin America, held and defended the Up Next Fighting title in California, and earned a UFC call-up. Basharat arrives winless in over three years after consecutive setbacks and a 2023 no contest.

Read at Sherdog