UFC Axes Vazquez After One-Fight Short-Notice Stint

The UFC has released Gianni Vazquez following his promotional debut at UFC Fight Night on February 7, 2026, at the Meta APEX in Las Vegas. Vazquez stepped up on just three days' notice to face Javid Basharat after Said Nurmagomedov withdrew during fight week, though he missed weight for the bantamweight contest. Despite his willingness to compete on short notice and his five-fight win streak prior to joining the UFC, the promotion decided to part ways with him after a single appearance. The decision surprised some fans given Vazquez's commitment to save the matchup on minimal notice.