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Farid Basharat: UFC Rank Holder
Farid Basharat, a rising star in the UFC bantamweight division, holds the #15 ranking and is a mixed martial artist with British-Afghan nationality.
Born in Paktia, Afghanistan, he embarked on his MMA journey at the age of 16, quickly ascending the amateur ranks before making his professional debut in 2017 with an impressive 10-0 record.1
Early Career and Achievements:
Basharat’s professional career gained momentum in 2022 with a successful UFC debut against Louis Smolka, followed by notable victories over Taylor Lapilus and Said Nurmagomedov.
Holding an undefeated 11-0 MMA record, he showcases strengths in wrestling, striking, enduring stamina, and resilience. Notable achievements include securing the 2017 British Cage Warriors bantamweight championship and the 2018 British Cage Warriors flyweight championship.
Skills and Areas for Improvement:
Despite his success, Basharat recognizes areas for improvement, focusing on refining his takedown defense and minimizing vulnerability to strikes. His commitment to constant growth and development highlights his determination to become a well-rounded fighter in the competitive bantamweight landscape.
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Electrifying Performances and Future Prospects:
Farid Basharat’s electrifying performances have positioned him as a captivating figure in the UFC. With the potential to contend for a title in the near future, his well-rounded skills and unwavering determination make him a formidable force in the bantamweight division.
Family and Personal Life:
Known for his reserved stance on family details, Farid Basharat occasionally shares glimpses of his close bond with his brothers on Instagram, portraying him as a dedicated family man. Originally from Afghanistan, the Basharat siblings face challenges related to the changed political landscape in their home country, particularly concerning international sports representation.
Challenges and International Representation:
The denial of fighters, including Basharat’s brother, to carry the Afghan flag at UFC events due to the unrecognized current government’s flag and the non-official status of the previous flag highlights the challenges faced by the Basharat family in navigating the complex dynamics of international sports representation.
UFC’s Flag Policy Creates Dilemma for Afghan Fighter Farid Basharat
New Rule Allows Fighters to Display Home Country Flags, but Not for Basharat and Brother
Farid Basharat, a rising bantamweight prospect in the UFC, faces a challenging situation as the promotion revisits its policy on fighters carrying their home country flags. Despite the recent declaration by UFC CEO Dana White permitting fighters to walk out with their national flags, it appears that this rule won’t extend to Farid and his older brother, Javid.2
Afghanistan Flag Exclusion: A Result of Political Changes
The Basharat siblings, originally from Afghanistan, are impacted by the geopolitical shifts in their home country. Following the Taliban’s takeover in 2021, Afghanistan adopted a new flag as part of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan. This change has led to a prohibition on fighters from Afghanistan displaying their national flag in the UFC.
Basharat’s Desire to Inspire and Represent His Homeland
Farid Basharat expresses disappointment over the denied request to carry the Afghanistan flag during his walkout. Despite the geopolitical complexities, Basharat sees the flag as a symbol of hope for his war-torn homeland, and he envisions representing his people on a global stage.
Striving to Inspire Amidst Adversity
While acknowledging the difficulties faced by Afghanistan over the past decades, Basharat aims to be a source of inspiration for his fellow Afghans. Having experienced life as a refugee, he understands the impact of war on individuals and aims to motivate others with his success in the UFC.
Roots, Identity, and the Struggle for a Homeland
Basharat, currently based in the U.S., reflects on the challenges of feeling disconnected from a homeland. Despite his success and achievements in the UFC, he grapples with a sense of emptiness, emphasizing the importance of a homeland for personal identity.
Symbolism Beyond Flags: Basharat’s Unwavering Commitment
While facing obstacles in carrying the Afghanistan flag, Basharat remains committed to representing his people and inspiring the next generation. His focus on success as a means to uplift and motivate others demonstrates the significance he places on being a positive role model for the Afghan community.
Hope for Policy Reversal: Balancing Representation and Rules
Basharat expresses hope that the UFC will reconsider its stance on the Afghanistan flag. Despite the current limitations, he remains steadfast in his commitment to representing his people and fostering a positive image for Afghans in the world of professional fighting.
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Basharat Brothers Aim for UFC Glory in Shared Bantamweight Division
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Sibling Rivalry on Hold as Farid Returns to UFC Paris Action
Farid Basharat, with a flawless record of 10-0, prepares to face Kleydson Rodrigues in the 135lb division, with brother Javid offering unwavering support.3
Afghanistan-Born Bantamweights Pursue Identical Career Dreams in the UK
Moved to the UK as refugees, the Basharat brothers, Farid and Javid, share the same Octagon aspirations despite being separated by only a year in age.
Exclusive Interview: The Bash Brothers’ Unique Mindset Towards Success
Farid, in a conversation with Daily Star Sport, delves into the key factors shaping their flourishing UFC careers, emphasizing the importance of a distinctive mindset and a relentless pursuit of progress.
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Farid Basharat’s Concerns Over UFC’s Stance on Afghanistan Flag
Background:
Farid Basharat, a rising bantamweight in the UFC, expresses concerns over the organization’s reluctance to allow him to walk out with the Afghanistan flag. This apprehension stems from a previous incident involving his older brother, Javid Basharat, who was denied the opportunity despite the UFC flag ban being overturned.4
Family Background and Dual Identity:
Farid, who is also English, moved to England as a refugee with his mother and brother. Despite his dual identity, he is eager to represent his ancestral homeland in the UFC.
The Flag Dilemma: Farid reveals his skepticism about being allowed to carry the Afghanistan flag in his upcoming fight. The UFC’s refusal during Javid’s attempt, attributed to the lack of recognition for the current Afghan government’s flag and the absence of an official old flag, leaves Farid uncertain about which flag he can bring.
Afghanistan’s Political Context:
The geopolitical context plays a crucial role, as Afghanistan is currently under Taliban rule. The global non-recognition of the Taliban government could be a significant factor contributing to the UFC’s cautious stance on the Afghanistan flag.
Farid’s Reflection on Representation:
In an interview with MMA Fighting, Farid contemplates whether his actions in the UFC reflect positively on his people and community. Despite the challenges, he emphasizes the importance of representing his people and expresses disappointment at the restrictions on carrying the Afghan flag.
Broader Flag-Related Issues:
Farid’s situation isn’t isolated, as other fighters, like Edmen Shahbazyan, have faced controversies related to flags. Shahbazyan, for instance, stirred debate by carrying the flag of the Republic of Artsakh, an unrecognized breakaway state.
UFC Records of Farid and Javid Basharat
Farid Basharat:
Competing at bantamweight, Farid is recognized as a high-potential prospect with an undefeated record of 11 wins. His journey to the UFC includes an impressive unanimous decision win on Dana White’s Contender Series, and he has secured two victories in the UFC so far.
Javid Basharat:
Javid, Farid’s older brother, also competes in the bantamweight division. With an impressive record of 13 wins, one no-contest, and no losses, Javid has won three out of his four UFC fights. The sole no-contest resulted from an accidental groin kick that rendered his opponent unable to continue.
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