MMA fans are kinda obsessed with the "next big thing." We love to find a prospect, ride the hype train until the wheels fall off, and then argue about why they weren't actually that good in the first place. But honestly, Austin Bashi feels different.
He's not just another guy with a padded record from the regional scenes in Michigan. He is a 24-year-old grappling wizard who has already tasted the harsh reality of the UFC Octagon and come out the other side looking like a savage. If you are looking for the latest on the Austin Bashi next fight, you've probably noticed a bit of a quiet period since late 2025. There's a reason for that.
The kid has been healing.
After a busy 2025 that saw him go 1-1 in the big show, Bashi had to pull out of a highly anticipated November scrap against Jamall Emmers. An injury sidelined him just as he was finding his rhythm. Now that we are into January 2026, the rumor mill is spinning. The UFC featherweight division is a shark tank, and Bashi is the young mako shark everyone is trying to avoid.
What Happened to the Jamall Emmers Matchup?
Let's look back for a second. Bashi was supposed to fight Emmers at UFC Vegas 111 on November 8, 2025. It was the perfect "step up" fight. Emmers is a seasoned vet, a guy who tests your cardio and your ability to deal with weird movement.
Bashi, coming off a dominant first-round submission of John Yannis in August 2025, was the betting favorite. Then, the news broke on Instagram. He was out. An unspecified injury forced him to withdraw, and the MMA community collectively sighed.
It was a bummer.
Basically, the UFC doesn't want to rush a prospect of this caliber when he's not at 100%. He is 14-1 for a reason. His only loss came against Christian Rodriguez in his debut, a fight where he looked green but still dangerous. Taking time to heal means that the version of Bashi we see in his next appearance will likely be the most polished one yet.
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Austin Bashi Next Fight: Potential Opponents and 2026 Dates
Since he’s been out of action since August, the UFC is likely looking to book him for a late Q1 or early Q2 event in 2026. You’ve gotta think a March or April return makes the most sense. It gives him a full camp to shake off the rust and test that injury.
Who does he fight?
The UFC usually likes to re-book fights that fell through, but Jamall Emmers fought Hyder Amil instead (and won). So, that ship might have sailed. Here are a few names that make sense for the Austin Bashi next fight based on the current featherweight rankings and trajectory:
- Francis Marshall: This is the fight that was originally supposed to happen in August before Marshall had issues. It's a "prospect vs. prospect" matchup that the matchmakers clearly liked.
- Hyder Amil: Amil is coming off that loss to Emmers and needs a dance partner to prove he still belongs in the conversation. Bashi’s grappling vs. Amil’s striking would be electric.
- A "Vet" Gatekeeper: Think someone like Bill Algeo or even a returning veteran looking to defend their spot in the top 30.
Bashi is currently ranked around #148 globally at featherweight according to FightMatrix. That’s low compared to his potential, but high enough that he’s not getting "easy" fights anymore. Every name on his 2026 calendar will be a problem.
The Christian Rodriguez Loss: A Blessing in Disguise?
Most prospects crumble after their first "L." They lose that aura of invincibility.
Not Bashi.
He fought Christian Rodriguez in January 2025 and lost a unanimous decision. People were shocked. Bashi was the "undefeated phenom" from the Michigan regional circuit. But watching that fight back, you see exactly what happened. Rodriguez stayed calm under the wrestling pressure and exploited Bashi’s eagerness.
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It was a masterclass in "veteran savvy" vs. "youthful aggression."
But look at what Bashi did next. He didn't take a year off to pout. He got back in there in August against John Yannis and absolutely mauled him. It took less than four minutes. He landed a big hook, secured a single-leg, took the back, and locked in a rear-naked choke.
That is how you respond to a loss. He showed that his grappling isn't just "regional good"—it's "UFC elite."
Why His Grappling Is Different
A lot of guys in MMA have "good" jiu-jitsu. Bashi has world-class jiu-jitsu.
He is an IBJJF World Champion. When he gets a body triangle on you, the fight is basically over. He doesn't just hold you; he hunts for the finish with a terrifying level of patience. Out of his 14 wins, 6 are by submission, and 5 of those are rear-naked chokes.
If he gets behind you, call the cops. It’s a wrap.
The Path Forward in 2026
The featherweight division is currently dominated by guys like Ilia Topuria and Max Holloway. Bashi is a long way from that level of competition, but the blueprint is there. He’s training out of Warrior Way Martial Arts and has been spending time with the "Fighting Nerds" and other high-level camps to shore up his striking.
His striking is the big question mark.
Against Yannis, he showed he has power in his hands, but he still uses his striking primarily as a bridge to his wrestling. In 2026, we need to see him comfortable on his feet for fifteen minutes if he can't get the takedown. If he adds a reliable jab and some leg kicks to that wrestling base, he becomes a nightmare for anyone outside the top 15.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Bettors
If you are following Bashi’s career, keep these things in mind for his next outing:
- Check the Weigh-In: Bashi is 5'6". He's a powerhouse, but he’s often the shorter man at featherweight. Watch how he handles the reach disadvantage in the early minutes of his next fight.
- The "First Takedown" Factor: If Bashi gets a takedown in the first two minutes, the betting odds usually skyrocket. He is a front-runner in the best way possible—once he’s on top, he rarely lets people back up.
- Injury Watch: Keep an eye on his training footage. If he’s back to full-speed grappling, the injury that kept him out of the Emmers fight is likely a non-issue.
- Odds Value: Because he lost to Rodriguez in 2025, you might still get him at a decent price against mid-tier opponents. The "hype tax" has lowered slightly, making him a great value pick.
Stay tuned to official UFC announcements for the specific date of the Austin Bashi next fight. Given the timeline, an announcement in February for a spring fight is the most likely scenario. For now, the best thing to do is watch his tape from the John Yannis fight and realize that we are looking at a future contender who is just now entering his physical prime.
Explore his past fights on UFC Fight Pass to see the progression of his back-taking transitions; it’s some of the most technical work in the lower weight classes today.