Bashi Credits Camp Drills After 67-Second UFC Finish

Austin Bashi got exactly what he wanted from UFC Vegas 124 — a fast finish that required no recovery time.

The featherweight sunk in a rear-naked choke on Carlos Calderon in the opening minute of their Saturday bout at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, forcing the tap at the 67-second mark. Calderon had accepted the fight on short notice.

Bashi Says Daily Back-Take Drills Led to Fast Finish

Bashi told UFC News and Sherdog that leaving the cage undamaged and with a quick stoppage represented the best possible scenario for his career. The 25-year-old pointed to endless repetitions in the gym — specifically, practicing back takes and choke sequences with his coaches — as the foundation for recognizing the opening so quickly.

"We're drilling this day in and day out," Bashi said, per Sherdog, explaining that constant practice made the position automatic once he secured Calderon's back.

The late opponent change meant Bashi abandoned detailed scouting in favor of relying on his experience. He said he is prepared to accept any matchup the UFC presents and expects to maintain his aggressive starts in future bouts.

Reported via:

• Sherdog — Austin Bashi says his 67-second UFC submission was the ideal win