Sleep on Austin Bashi at your own risk after UFC on ESPN 71

Bashi Sends Message with First-Round Submission Victory

Michigan Featherweight Dominates Opponent, Eyes Continued Rise in UFC

LAS VEGAS – Austin Bashi made a statement Saturday night at UFC on ESPN 71. After securing his first UFC win via standing rear-naked choke in the opening round against John Yannis, Bashi sent a clear message: don't underestimate him.

Yannis (9-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC) stepped into the octagon on short notice as a heavy underdog against the highly touted Bashi (14-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC). The fight ended decisively when Bashi locked in the submission with approximately 90 seconds remaining in the first round.

This victory came after Bashi's original opponent, Francis Marshall, withdrew from their scheduled bout shortly before the event. The 23-year-old featherweight remained focused on competing and expressed a willingness to face any challenger.

Bashi initially captured attention when he earned a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series this past September after an impressive performance. Despite being a heavy favorite in his official UFC debut against Christian Rodriguez in January, Bashi suffered his first career loss via decision.

The Michigan native described that experience as a valuable learning opportunity and a catalyst for his Saturday night triumph.

“After that last fight, I saw who my true supporters were, and I saw who was sleeping on me – and there were a bunch of people sleeping on me,” Bashi said at the post-fight press conference. “This was to prove something to myself – not really to the world, but to prove something to myself how hungry I am and how bad I really want it.”