The UFC has started trimming its lineup early in 2024 as part of adjustments following a new broadcast agreement with Paramount. This has led to significant shifts in how the promotion operates and manages its fighters, aiming for a leaner roster ahead of a busy year.
Recently, the UFC decided not to renew the contract of unbeaten bantamweight Rinat Fakhretdinov, signaling a tougher stance on keeping fighters who fail to generate excitement in the octagon.
Unexpected Release: Javid Basharat Cut Despite Recent Victory
At UFC Vegas 113, held at the Meta Apex, bantamweight contenders Mario Bautista and Vinicius Oliveira headlined the event. Javid Basharat also competed, facing a late replacement, Gianni Vazquez, in a bid to recover from two consecutive defeats versus Aiemann Zahabi and Ricky Simon.
‘The Snow Leopard’ secured a unanimous decision win, improving his UFC record to 4-2-1 over seven fights. Despite this, on Tuesday night, reporter Tom Feely confirmed that Basharat had been released from the promotion, a move that surprised many given his recent success.
Featherweight Lucas Almeida Among Fighters Let Go
Lucas Almeida, a Brazilian featherweight, was also cut from the UFC roster during this round of releases. Almeida compiled a 2-4 record across six UFC bouts, making his departure less unexpected compared to Basharat’s.
Veteran Alex Morono Dropped After Prolonged Losing Streak
Alex Morono, known as ‘The Great White,’ was another veteran removed from the UFC roster. The 35-year-old has participated in 24 fights with the promotion but has lost his last four matchups, finishing with an overall UFC record of 13-10-1. This decision fits a pattern of dropping fighters who are struggling to maintain winning performances.
Implications for UFC Fighters and Future Roster Composition
These roster cuts underscore the UFC’s increasing emphasis on fighter marketability and recent form as key factors in contract decisions. The dismissal of a promising contender like Basharat highlights the unpredictable nature of roster stability, which may heighten pressure on fighters to both win and captivate audiences consistently.
As the promotion continues refining its roster amid expanding broadcast commitments, more changes could follow, reshaping the competitive landscape and creating opportunities for emerging talent.
Javid Basharat has been removed from the https://t.co/YHr2ZDqw9f roster
— Tom Feely (@omgitsfeely) February 11, 2026
