British-Afghan bantamweight standout Javid Basharat saw his status with the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) shift dramatically following his most recent performance at UFC Vegas 113.
Despite earning a win in Las Vegas, Basharat now faces uncertainty as his name was removed from the official UFC roster, leaving fans and analysts debating what comes next for the talented fighter.
Unexpected Victory at UFC Vegas 113
On February 7, 2026, Basharat competed at UFC Fight Night 266, also known as UFC Vegas 113, held at the Meta APEX facility in Las Vegas, Nevada.
Originally scheduled to face Said Nurmagomedov, Basharat had his opponent change at the last minute when Nurmagomedov withdrew during fight week due to undisclosed reasons.
In place of Nurmagomedov, promotional newcomer Gianni Vazquez stepped in on just two days’ notice.
Vazquez also missed the bantamweight limit by five pounds, meaning the fight proceeded at catchweight and Basharat collected a percentage of Vazquez’s purse.
The bout went the full three rounds, and Basharat secured a unanimous decision victory on the prelims of the event.
A Strange Turn After a Win
Normally, a victory on a UFC card strengthens a fighter’s position within the promotion. Basharat’s win improved his overall professional record, now listed at 15–2 (1) and 4–2 (1) in UFC competition.
Yet shortly after the event, his status on the UFC’s official website was updated from “Active” to “Not Fighting,” prompting widespread speculation.
Even more noticeably, Basharat no longer appears on the UFC roster or in the rankings eligibility, effectively leaving him without a current contract with the promotion at a time when fight opportunities are competitive and highly sought-after.
It’s worth noting that UFC does not always publicly confirm fighter releases, and roster updates sometimes reflect contract expirations rather than outright cut decisions.
However, the timing of Basharat’s change, coming just after a win, has raised eyebrows among UFC followers.
Why Did This Happen?
There’s no single clear explanation from the UFC or Basharat’s camp, but several key points have emerged that help frame the situation:
1. No Finishes in UFC Fights
One of the narratives around Basharat’s UFC run is that he has yet to finish a fight inside the Octagon, instead relying on judge decisions in his wins.
This may be a factor at a time when the UFC’s new broadcast partnership with Paramount+ has put emphasis on dynamic bouts and finish rates.
2. Shallow Bantamweight Division Depth
The UFC’s bantamweight division is known for its tight competition and deep talent pool.
Fighters who don’t quickly stand out often find themselves on the roster bubble, especially early in the year when matchmaking and contracts are reevaluated.
3. Contract and Roster Management Practices
Sometimes a fighter’s contract simply expires after a scheduled fight. There is an early indication that Basharat’s deal may have ended following his Las Vegas match, and the roster removal could reflect standard administrative changes rather than a release based on performance alone.
Career Highlights and Setbacks
To understand Basharat’s UFC journey, it helps to look at the path he took to this point:
- He began his UFC career with three straight wins after coming through Dana White’s Contender Series — a proving ground for rising MMA talent.
- That early momentum was slowed by a no-contest against Victor Henry in 2023 and later by back-to-back decision and knockout losses to Aiemann Zahabi and Ricky Simón.
- Basharat responded by returning to the win column in Las Vegas, showing resilience and fight IQ despite facing a late-notice opponent.
What the Future Could Hold
At the moment, Basharat is effectively a free agent. Whether the UFC chooses to re-sign him, or he pursues opportunities in other major MMA organizations such as Bellator, PFL, ONE Championship, or regional promotions, is an open question.
Several factors will influence his next move:
- Basharat’s overall winning record and experience in the world’s top MMA promotion
- His ability to secure finishes or standout performances that grab fan attention
- Market demand for a fighter with his skill set and international appeal
It’s not unusual for fighters to leave the UFC and later return under new terms, especially if they build up momentum elsewhere.
Basharat’s skill set and record make him an intriguing candidate for future deals, even outside the Octagon he once competed in.
Final Thoughts
Javid Basharat’s situation is one of the more surprising stories early in the 2026 UFC season. A win followed by a roster exit invites questions, but doesn’t necessarily close the book on his career.
Whether he earns a new UFC contract or finds success in another promotion, the next chapter will be closely watched by MMA fans worldwide.