Austin Bashi Inside Fighting Exclusive

Inside Fighting

April 10, 2025

Embracing Championship Level Experience in Diego Lopes Training Camp

For many young fighters, the path to UFC glory is a winding road of growth, setbacks, and resilience. For 22 year old bantamweight prospect Austin Bashi, that road just got a powerful boost. Bashi has been handpicked to emulate Alexander Volkanovski in Diego Lopes’ featherweight title training camp a rare and invaluable opportunity that the Michigan native doesn’t take lightly.

“It’s a blessing, man,” Bashi said with genuine gratitude. “To be chosen as the guy to represent Volk one of the greatest featherweights of all time during a title camp, that means a lot. I’m learning so much, and I’m just grateful to be part of something at this level so early in my career.”

The opportunity to help Lopes prepare for a championship bout against a legend like Volkanovski doesn’t just offer Bashi a front-row seat to elite-level preparation it inserts him directly into it. The chance to mimic Volkanovski’s style, movement, and fight IQ for Lopes’ team has allowed Bashi to immerse himself in the mindset and mechanics of a champion. It’s a crash course in greatness and Bashi is soaking it all in.

“Every day I’m in here, I’m learning. I’m picking up little details, seeing how a top contender like Diego prepares mentally, physically, strategically. It’s sharpening me just as much as it’s helping the team,” Bashi explained. “This kind of experience — it’s what builds champions.”

It’s a pivotal moment for Bashi, who is coming off the first loss of his professional career a tough UFC debut against Christian Rodriguez. The fight didn’t go his way, but the experience was anything but wasted.

“It was a big fight. UFC debut. Didn’t go my way but I learned a lot from it,” Bashi reflected. “Didn’t get the results I wanted but here I am, working every single day. Literally right after that fight, I took a week off training and I was right back into the gym, going over the fight with my coaches. And I’m excited for this next one.”

Despite the disappointment, Bashi has maintained a mature and grounded perspective. The setback has only fueled his drive to improve and solidified his belief in the process.

“Losses can teach you more than wins sometimes,” Bashi said. “I’ve taken a lot of positives from that fight. I know where I need to improve, and I’m working on those things every single day. Being around this kind of high-level preparation only helps.”

Now, as Bashi continues to grow behind the scenes of a championship camp, the rising prospect is writing a new chapter of his journey one marked by humility, hunger, and championship ambition.

He might be wearing Volkanovski’s shoes for now, but make no mistake Austin Bashi is paving his own path to UFC greatness.