UFC Cuts Bantamweight Javid Basharat Despite Winning Record

Basharat was released after his UFC contract expired, despite winning his last fight.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The UFC has parted ways with bantamweight fighter Javid Basharat, despite him having a winning record and winning his most recent fight. Basharat, who competed in seven UFC bouts, was known for his technical striking but struggled to secure finishes, which appears to have contributed to the promotion's decision not to re-sign him as it places a greater emphasis on entertaining, finish-oriented fights in its new broadcast deal with Paramount.

Why it matters

Basharat's release highlights the harsh realities of the modern UFC roster management, where a fighter's ability to entertain and secure finishes can be prioritized over a winning record. This move also underscores the UFC's shifting priorities as it aims to provide more exciting content for its new broadcast partner Paramount.

The details

Across seven UFC appearances, Basharat never secured a finish, with all four of his wins coming via the judges' scorecards. His 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 his contract expiration and a 'safe' fighting style ultimately sealed his fate with the promotion.

  • Basharat won his final UFC fight on February 11, 2026.
  • The UFC released Basharat on February 14, 2026, after his contract expired.

The players

Javid Basharat

An Afghan-British bantamweight fighter who competed in seven UFC bouts, amassing a 4-3 record with the promotion.

Dana White

The president of the UFC, who has emphasized the promotion's desire for more entertaining, finish-oriented fights in the Paramount+ era.

Jake Hadley

A former UFC flyweight fighter who now competes in the PFL, and has expressed interest in signing Basharat to the promotion.

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What they’re saying

“Think this was a bit harsh considering he won his last fight even though was a poor performance but that's the problem taking short notice fights vs debut guys only a lose lose but @PFLMMA @JohnMartinPFL let's sign him up and we can do me vs him in London”

— Jake Hadley, PFL Fighter (X)

What’s next

Basharat, who is still only 30 years old, will likely explore opportunities with other promotions such as the PFL or ONE Championship, where his technical striking skills could be better appreciated.

The takeaway

Basharat's release from the UFC underscores the promotion's evolving priorities, where entertaining, finish-oriented fights are increasingly valued over grinding out decision wins, even for fighters with winning records. This move highlights the unforgiving nature of the modern MMA landscape, where job security is not guaranteed, even for skilled competitors.