22-year-old MMA Fighter Austin Bashi ticks up his record to 13-0 after his huge win against fighter Dorian Ramos in Dana White’s Contender Series to secure his contract into the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC). This is huge for the Metro Detroit and Chaldean community, as Bashi is a local Chaldean fighter coming out of West Bloomfield, Michigan.
Bashi’s victory is not just a personal achievement, it is a landmark moment for the local Metro Detroit community. Born and raised in West Bloomfield, Michigan, Bashi is part of a proud Chaldean family, a community with deep roots in Metro Detroit. Chaldeans, a group of Iraqi Catholics, have long established themselves in the region, and are known for their strong family values, entrepreneurial spirit, and tight-knit community bonds. For many Chaldeans, Bashi’s accomplishment represents more than just athletic achievement; it means breaking barriers and making strides in spaces where the small community has historically been underrepresented.
His fighting journey began at a young age, starting his training at the Warrior Way Martial Arts gym at only eight years old. Bashi started to gain true recognition at his High School, West Bloomfield, where he dominated on the wrestling mats. However, wrestling was only the foundation of his career, and he discovered his love for MMA after training at the Michigan Top Team Gym. His skill became a testament to his character, as he kept his discipline and maintained a strong faith in God throughout his journey. Bashi took over the bantamweight division in the Lights Out MMA League, winning multiple titles and putting himself on the map as the top UFC prospect globally. Tearing through regional promotions, Bashi finally caught UFC President Dana White’s eye and received an offer to fight in Dana White’s Contender Series for a shot at a UFC contract. Bashi not only showcased his technical abilities but also his agility and composure under pressure, ultimately earning him the coveted contract. Bashi expressed his gratitude, exclaiming “All glory to Jesus Christ for watching over me and continuing to bless me!” He believes that he “can compete against the best in the world,” showing his confidence moving forward into the big leagues.
Bashi emphasized taking his time, and not rushing his way into the UFC., Many thought he was going to compete for a contract at 20 years old, but he thought otherwise. Instead, Bashi decided to keep raising his undefeated record, and he chose not to rush into the highest level of competition. He uses this strategy during fights also, as his plan is always to wear down his opponents in the first round and finish them in the second and third. His disciplined technique is what allows him to dominate his fights. As a quiet and simple young man, Bashi focuses on his faith, family, and fighting. Those are his most important values. He recognizes his true supporters and coaches, who motivate him to go as far as he possibly can. Bashi strives to serve as a role model for others through his dedication to what he loves.
Bashi is extremely ambitious for the upcoming year, stating that he is planning to get “three or four fights a year” in the UFC. Bashi’s last few fights have all been finishes, whether it is by knockout or submission, and he plans on doing the same over the course of his time in the UFC. He is already confident that he will be a UFC Featherweight Champion, the spot currently held by Ilia Topuria of Alicante, Spain. He hopes to make his debut as a pro by the end of 2024, not wasting any time whatsoever.
As the first Chaldean to break into the UFC, Bashi’s journey is far from over, and he is now poised to take his career to new heights. With his humble and hard-working attitude, Bashi continues to inspire local athletes and the broader Metro Detroit community. For Austin Bashi, the fight has only just begun, as he enters the top Mixed Martial Arts League in the world.
