Austin Bashi bounced back in a big way at UFC on ESPN 71 after stumbling in his octagon debut.

The highly touted featherweight prospect was overwhelming against John Yannis (9-4 MMA, 0-1 UFC), who was overwhelmed by the grappling pressure from the outside and found himself trapped in a standing rear-naked choke from Bashi (14-1 MMA, 1-1 UFC) for the submission at the 3:39 mark of Round 1 on Saturday at UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Check out the replay of Bashi’s handiwork below (via X):

Austin Bashi submits John Yannis #UFCVegas108pic.twitter.com/aiUR2pXegd

— TakeruCigarra (@TakeruCigarra) August 2, 2025

After the fight, Bashi reflected on what it took to get back in the win column after the 23-year-old suffered his first career defeat against Christian Rodriguez in January.

“I’ve been working for this moment my entire life,” Bashi told Michael Bisping post-fight after his win. “In January, it didn’t go my way but I got back with my coaches and got the victory.”

Up-to-the-minute UFC on ESPN 71 results:

• Austin Bashi def. John Yannis via submission (rear-naked choke) – Round 1, 3:39
• Rafael Estevam def. Felipe Bunes via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
• Piera Rodriguez def. Ketlen Souza via split decision (29-28, 28-29, 29-28)

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: UFC Vegas 108 video: Austin Bashi rebounds from first loss with finish