Surprise UFC Roster Shake-Up

In a move that has rocked parts of the MMA community, the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) has cut ties with three fighters, including a promising bantamweight contender who had appeared to be on the rise.

The roster change comes shortly after UFC Vegas 113 and has sparked strong reactions from fans and analysts alike.

Basharat’s Unexpected Departure

One of the most talked-about cuts is that of Javid Basharat, a 15-2 professional with a solid winning record in the promotion.

Despite earning a win at UFC Vegas 113 against a late replacement opponent, which brought his official UFC tally to 4-2, Basharat was removed from the company’s online roster and ranking eligibility.

This development surprised many because Basharat not only won his most recent fight but did so in a competitive matchup.

The opponent, Gianni Vazquez, stepped in on very short notice to save the card after the original competitor pulled out.

Vazquez even missed weight by six pounds, yet the fight went forward, and Basharat secured the victory.

According to insiders, Basharat’s contract may have simply expired with that fight, making him a free agent.

However, his release has raised questions about the UFC’s direction under its new Paramount broadcast deal, which appears to place more emphasis on fighters who produce finishes and deliver highlight-reel performances.

With none of Basharat’s UFC wins coming by way of knockout or submission, some believe that style preferences could have influenced the decision.

Veteran Welterweight Alex Morono Also Removed

Another big name in this trio of roster exits is Alex Morono, a seasoned UFC veteran with more than two dozen Octagon appearances.

Morono’s journey in the UFC spanned over a decade, during which he built a respectable 13-10-1 record, with notable victories over fighters like Donald Cerrone and Mickey Gall.

Morono’s most recent outing took place at UFC Vegas 113, where he suffered a unanimous decision loss to Daniil Donchenko.

Despite going the distance, he absorbed significant damage and was even taken to a hospital for precautionary medical scans following the fight.

In the aftermath of that bout, Morono publicly stated on social media that he wanted one final fight to cap off his UFC tenure, but the request was denied, and the promotion opted not to renew his contract.

His release marks the end of a long and competitive run in MMA’s premier organization.

Third Unnamed Fighter Also Let Go

While Basharat and Morono drew the most attention, a third fighter was also removed from the active UFC roster.

The details behind this particular cut were not as widely reported, but it fits a recent trend: the UFC has been trimming its list of athletes more frequently in early 2026.

This recent round of cuts follows other departures earlier in the year, including fighters across various weight classes who have either retired, had contracts expire, or were simply not re-signed as part of roster adjustments.

What This Means for the UFC

Several factors appear to be at play behind these roster changes:

1. New Media Strategy

With the UFC’s expanded media rights agreement under Paramount, executives are believed to be placing more weight on fighters who deliver exciting knockouts and submissions, boost viewership, and bring entertainment value.

Fighters who frequently go to decision, even with positive records, may find themselves on thinner ice in this environment.

2. Competitive Depth of the Bantamweight Division

The bantamweight division is one of the most crowded in the UFC, with talent stacked throughout the top 15 rankings.

For a fighter like Basharat, even strong performances may not guarantee roster security if they aren’t paired with standout finishes.

3. Timing and Contract Cycles

Many roster decisions align with contracts reaching their natural expiration after key events.

Fighters often have to re-negotiate after scheduled bouts, and if terms aren’t agreed upon, whether due to performance, financial demands, or matchup availability, organizations sometimes choose a clean break.

Fans React to the Cuts

The MMA community on social media reacted quickly to the outgoing fighters. A mix of surprise and frustration was evident, especially regarding Basharat.

Fans noted that while he isn’t a knockout artist, he has consistently delivered tough, technically sound performances against high-level competition.

There’s also significant respect for Morono, given his longevity and willingness to face emerging talent throughout his tenure.

Discussions online highlighted how fighters who contribute to the sport in various ways sometimes get overshadowed by highlight-centric expectations.

What’s Next for the Released Fighters?

For Basharat, Morono, and the third fighter, the future could take several paths:

• Free Agency: Several competing promotions, including Bellator, PFL, and ONE Championship, may show interest, especially in proven fighters like Morono and Basharat.
• Independent Circuit: Some fighters choose to rebuild their resumes on regional or international stages before attempting a UFC return.
• Media and Coaching Roles: Morono, for one, is already connected with broadcast work and coaching roles outside the cage, opening alternative career avenues.

Closing Thoughts

The recent UFC roster changes mark a significant moment in the organization’s evolution.

As the promotion adjusts to new broadcast goals and a wealth of fresh talent, even accomplished fighters may find themselves navigating uncertain terrain.

For fans, the focus now shifts to how the UFC’s roster strategy evolves and whether these cuts pave the way for new stars to emerge later in 2026.