Javid Basharat Opens Up on "Messy" UFC Exit and PFL Championship Aspirations

Javid Basharat is officially done playing the waiting game. After a frustratingly slow schedule over the last few years, the highly touted bantamweight is gearing up for his highly anticipated PFL debut this Saturday, August 22nd, in Tampa. For a fighter in his prime, inactivity is the ultimate enemy, and it’s the primary reason Basharat is ready to turn the page and start a new chapter outside the UFC octagon.

Speaking during fight week, Basharat expressed a sense of relief and excitement about his new multi-fight deal. The priority, above all else, is activity.

"Every fighter wants to fight, you know, otherwise what's the point of fighting? This job is too hard just training... You want to have the glorious moments, too. You want to be able to risk it all, and fighting once a year, I don't know why that was even a thing for me in the UFC."

The "Messy" Departure

The transition from the world’s largest MMA promotion wasn't exactly smooth. While fighter releases can often be accompanied by bitterness, Basharat's primary emotion seems to be sheer confusion regarding the bureaucratic hurdles that kept him shelved. Between fights being offered during Ramadan, when he strictly cannot compete, and a grueling cycle of injuries and benchings, valuable time was slipping away.

His final contracted bout in the Apex ultimately fell apart under chaotic circumstances, an ordeal he is just now starting to briefly shed light on.

"One day I'll speak about it, but this is the first time I'm talking about it, but it was like one of the messiest things. My opponent missed weight by five pounds. And then there's a couple of things that happened behind the scenes... Honestly, it was nothing really in my control. A lot of miscommunication."

Despite the frustrating exit, Basharat maintains a level head. He credits the UFC for its elite promotion and the opportunity to fight the best, but he clearly views his new home as a lateral move in terms of talent.

The PFL Allure and Bantamweight Landscape

Signing a new four-fight deal with the PFL wasn't just about escaping a stagnant schedule; it was a calculated move into a division Basharat believes is severely underrated by the public. He noted that while casual fans might not recognize every name on the roster, the fighters themselves know exactly who the true threats are in the training room.

He was pleasantly surprised by the recent PFL and Bellator merger, which only deepened the talent pool and increased the platform's visibility. Heading into his debut, his goals within the organization are crystal clear:

● Stay Active: Target at least two fights before Ramadan in February 2025.

● Conquer the Division: Capture the PFL Bantamweight Championship within his next four to five fights.

● Make History: Become a world champion simultaneously with his brother, undefeated UFC bantamweight Farid Basharat.

The Tampa Debut and ATT Prep

Before he can look toward gold, Basharat must get past Movsar Ibraimov this weekend. Ibraimov, a tough former IMMAF European Champion, presents a gritty test, but Basharat feels supremely prepared, largely thanks to the elite ecosystem at American Top Team (ATT).

Training alongside world champions like Alexandre Pantoja and elite contenders like Movsar Evloev, Basharat is constantly sharpening his tools against the best in the world. He promises that fans tuning in to his PFL debut will not be disappointed by his output.

"You're going to see some striking, you're going to see wrestling, you're going to see grappling. It's going to be exciting... Throughout 15 minutes, there's always going to be action, you know. We're too small for things to be stagnant."

With a fresh contract, a deep division ahead of him, and the drive to finally stay active, Javid Basharat is primed to make a massive statement in Tampa.