In the UFC, a victory does not always guarantee job security. While logic would suggest that having your hand raised keeps you employed, modern roster management is far more nuanced. In an ideal world, MMA should be a sport based on merit, but the reality is that its biggest promotion is a content machine driven by finishes, entertainment value, and the constant influx of new talent from Dana White’s Contender Series.
Fighters who grind out decisions, even successfully, can find themselves on the chopping block, especially when their contracts expire at an inopportune time. This harsh business reality was on full display this week as the promotion parted ways with Javid Basharat, a fighter who was victorious just last Saturday.
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Javid BasharatChris Unger-GettyImages
(Chris Unger-GettyImages)
The news was reported by UFC Roster Tracker on Wednesday, an accurate and reliable source for tracking the promotion’s roster:
Why the UFC Pulled the Trigger
The decision to remove Basharat from the roster is particularly jarring because he won his final fight. Rather than re-sign him, the UFC allowed his contract to expire, effectively making him a free agent.
This move is likely tied to the UFC’s new direction following its landmark broadcast deal with Paramount. There is a heightened emphasis on finishing fights and providing entertainment over technical decision wins.
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With UFC bonuses doubling in the Paramount+ era, as revealed by Dana White to Sports Business Journal, the pressure is on for fighters to secure finishes.
Across seven UFC appearances, Basharat never secured a finish, with all four of his wins coming via the judges’ scorecards. Basharat’s inability to do so in his UFC run likely made him expendable in a stacked bantamweight division.
Despite holding a winning record and losing only to established contenders, the combination of contract expiration and a “safe” fighting style ultimately sealed his fate.
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Basharat’s UFC Career
Javid “The Snow Leopard” Basharat entered the UFC with considerable hype following his appearance on Dana White’s Contender Series (via UFC Español on X):
The Afghan-British bantamweight showcased slick technical striking and composure, quickly amassing a three-fight win streak against names like Trevin Jones and Tony Gravely.
However, the momentum stalled when he faced a step up in competition. Basharat suffered his first promotional loss to Aiemann Zahabi, followed by another defeat to Victor Hugo, marking the first finish loss of his career.
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Before the losses, he also had a “no contest” after committing a low-blow foul against his opponent Victor Henry.
Just when his career had a dip, he bounced back at UFC Vegas 113 on this past Saturday, earning a unanimous decision victory over short-notice replacement Gianni Vazquez. The fight was clouded by controversy, as Vazquez missed weight by a significant five pounds.
The fight itself was a back-and-forth affair, with both fighters trading knockdowns. (via UFC on X):
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Despite the victory, the fight marked the last Octagon appearance of Basharat’s UFC tenure. He is skilled with a winning record, but he lacks the spectacular finishes the promotion and the fans crave.
Where Could Basharat Land Next?
At just 30 years old, Basharat remains a high-level bantamweight with a solid 15-2 professional record. His release is far from a career death sentence, and several promotions would eagerly welcome a fighter of his caliber.
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The most logical destination is the PFL (Professional Fighters League), which has aggressively acquired former UFC talent and runs a global league format that guarantees multiple fights per year.
Former UFC flyweight Jake Hadley, who now fights for the PFL, reacted to news of Basharat’s release on his X account:
Alternatively, ONE Championship could offer an intriguing platform, given their reach in Asia and appreciation for technical strikers. If he prefers to stay closer to home, promotions like Cage Warriors or KSW in Europe would provide immediate headliner status and a path back to the UFC.
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While the UFC brass’s decision is an example of the unforgiving nature of the sport, Basharat’s skill set ensures his career is far from over. He remains a top-caliber bantamweight who simply needs the right opportunity to remind the world why he was once considered a future contender.
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Feb 14, 2026, where it first appeared in the MMA section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
