The UFC has made significant roster changes, announcing the release of three fighters, including bantamweight contender Javid Basharat, following a recent Fight Night event. This decision reflects the promotion’s evolving strategy as it prepares for an ambitious year ahead, particularly in light of its new broadcast agreement with Paramount.
The changes come after a series of decisions regarding fighter contracts. Earlier this year, the UFC opted not to renew the contract of Rinat Fakhretdinov, an unbeaten fighter in the promotion, which raised concerns regarding the promotion’s new approach to roster management. The UFC appears to be prioritizing exciting matchups over maintaining fighters who may not captivate audiences.
During the recent UFC Vegas 113, held at the Meta Apex in Las Vegas, Javid Basharat faced late-notice opponent Gianni Vazquez. Basharat, seeking to recover from consecutive losses against Aiemann Zahabi and Ricky Simon, secured a unanimous decision victory. Despite this win, it was reported by Tom Feely on March 12, 2024, that Basharat has been released from the UFC, concluding his tenure with a record of 4-2-1 in seven fights.
Basharat’s removal is particularly striking given his recent performance. He is not alone, however, as fellow fighters Lucas Almeida and Alex Morono have also been cut from the roster. Almeida, who fought six times in the UFC, finished with a 2-4 record, making his departure less surprising.
The decision to release Alex Morono, a seasoned veteran with 24 fights under his belt, comes after he suffered four consecutive defeats. Morono’s overall UFC record now stands at 13-10-1, which further explains the rationale behind his release.
As the UFC navigates these roster adjustments, it remains to be seen how these changes will impact the promotion’s future events and overall strategy as it moves forward in 2024. The cuts signal a shift in focus towards fighters who can deliver more compelling performances in the octagon.
