The UFC has seen its fair share of undefeated prospects. Many young fighters dominate the regional circuits but falter under the bright lights of the Octagon. However, Michigan’s Austin Bashi seems poised to break that mold. At just 23 years old and with a flawless 13-0 record, Bashi punched his ticket to the UFC with a third-round submission win over Dorian Ramos (8-2) on the Contender Series.

The young prospect is set to make his debut at UFC Fight Night: Dern vs. Ribas 2 on January 11th, where he faces Christian Rodriguez in what promises to be a robust test. Ahead of this career milestone, EssentiallySports caught up with Bashi, who reflected on his journey, mindset, and ambitions in the UFC.

Austin Bashi: A UFC Dream in the Making

Bashi’s love for MMA started early, training at just eight years old and idolizing legends like Anderson Silva, Rampage Jackson, and Chuck Liddell. “Even before I started training, my brothers and I would watch UFC fights,” he recalled. “It was always my dream to be a UFC champion one day.”

For Bashi, the journey to the UFC has been a disciplined and calculated one. Unlike some fighters who rush into the spotlight, he emphasized the importance of building a solid foundation. “People would always ask why I wasn’t in the UFC when I was 6-0 or 8-0,” he explained. “For me, it wasn’t just about getting to the UFC—it was about staying in the UFC.”

This measured approach speaks to a maturity from Bashi and has team and a firm grasps of the bigger picture. Often we see prospects in a rush to crack the big time before they’re truly ready, and more often than not this ends up with them lying stiff on the canvas. This mature and measured outlook for the American may having something to do with the solid foundations he’s laid for himself in terms who he surrounds himself with. Bashi has remained loyal to his team at Warrior Way Martial Arts, training under the same coaches for 15 years. “We’ve built a bond like family,” he said. “I’ll be with these guys until I die.”

What we’re seeing here is a young man who embodies traditional martial arts values of humility, hard work, and loyalty. Those values, sadly, do not always translate to stardom in the UFC, where trash talk, flash, and bravado often overshadow perseverance. However, one age-old truth remains steadfast in this game: winning. If Bashi continues racking up victories at MMA’s top table, a very bright future undoubtedly awaits.

High Pace, High Hopes

As well as being undefeated, Bashi has created a wave of momentum behind him. All five of his last fights have been finishes, and he boasts a well-rounded stoppage rate of three knockouts and five submissions in his thirteen career bouts. Describing his fighting style, Bashi highlighted his relentless pace and conditioning as key weapons. “My cardio is number one,” he said. “It’s where I usually break my opponents in the second round and get the finish.”

This high-pressure approach has drawn comparisons to fighters like Merab Dvalishvili, who is known for his tireless pace. However, Bashi is keen to develop a well-rounded game. “The plan is to mix it up—get finishes on the feet and on the ground. I want to show a little bit of everything.”

As for his upcoming opponent, Bashi holds Rodriguez in high regard. ‘Ceerod’ was riding four-fight winning streak in the UFC before slipping up against Julian Erosa on his last outing. That run included a win over the very highly-rated Raul Rosas Jr. at UFC 287. “When his name came up, I was excited,” Bashi admitted. “He’s beaten some tough guys, so it’s the perfect debut for me.”

Bashi also recognizes the challenges ahead in the featherweight division but remains confident in his trajectory. “This division is stacked, but I see myself in the rankings by the end of 2025,” he said. “I respect guys like Ilia Topuria and Alexander Volkanovski, but in a couple of years, I could be fighting them.”

While his immediate focus is on January 11th, Bashi is driven by a long-term vision and unshakeable focus. “I want to be the best, and that takes discipline. I eat, sleep, and train. That’s my life.”