Javid Basharat Joins PFL in 18-Fighter Signing Wave

Former UFC bantamweight Javid Basharat has signed with the Professional Fighters League as part of a mass recruitment that brought 18 fighters to the promotion, PFL announced Wednesday.

Basharat compiled a 4-2 record with one no contest across seven Octagon bouts after winning a contract on Dana White's Contender Series. The Afghanistan-born fighter last appeared at UFC Fight Night 266 on Feb. 7, outpointing Gianni Vazquez on the scorecards. Daniel Marcos, another UFC alum whose signing had already leaked, is among the other notable additions.

PFL Expands Roster Across Nine Weight Classes

The batch spans nine divisions and 14 countries, per Sherdog. heavyweight/" class="internal-link text-bone underline decoration-ash/30 hover:decoration-gold underline-offset-2">Light heavyweight Roland Dunlap, lightweight Cassio Junior, and heavyweights Hasan Mezhiev and Zach Nishimwe are among the 18 names joining the league.

"At PFL, we are constantly growing and evolving our roster to ensure it remains one of the best and most competitive in the world," CEO John Martin said in a statement. "With 18 new fighters announced today with some really hot prospects, we know the MMA industry will recognize our intent of continuing to scout, build, and match elite fighters in the cage."

Basharat's move gives PFL another experienced bantamweight with proven UFC-level durability. He goes by the nickname "The Snow Leopard."

Reported via:

• Sherdog — UFC veteran Javid Basharat among 18 new PFL signings