IT will be a bittersweet moment for Javid Basharat when he makes his eagerly-anticipated UFC debut this weekend.
For years, the Pakita-born Snow Leopard has dreamed of proudly draping himself in the flag of Afghanistan as he makes his way to the octagon.
But the Taliban’s takeover of his homeland and subsequent changing of the nation’s flag from the historic and storied black, red and green banner has scuppered those dreams.
He told SunSport: “I’m not gonna lie, it was a little bit of a heartbreak [when they told me I couldn’t wear the flag].
“Because I always wanted that kit, you know. Because Amir Albazi is the first Iraqi fighter to have that Iraq flag on his UFC logo.
“They don’t make any of those, he’s the only one on the planet. It’s so rare to have. We have one [Afghani fighter] in Nasrat Haqparast, who is doing great in the UFC.
“He has his and I wanted mine so badly. It was going to be such a rare item and one to keep.
“I don’t know, every time I visualised this, I had this in mind and carrying my flag. But unfortunately, it didn’t work out and the UFC don’t recognise that flag as an official flag.
“It was what it is, it’s heartbreaking. But at the same time, I’ll be the walking flag in the flesh.”
Basharat became only the third fighter in his country’s history to compete in mixed martial arts’ premier promotion.
And he’s fully aware of the beacon of hope he’s become for his countrymen and countrywomen back home.
He said: “The pride and honour I feel representing this country is unbelievable. And one of the reasons I go into the fight with such confidence is because I know where I’m from.
“I know where I’m from and I know who I’m fighting for. I want to say it motivates me that little bit more, but I don’t see fighting like that.
“Fighters should be motivated because you’re about to get into a fistfight. But at the same time, it does add an element.
“I’m not quite sure what it is, but it’s very, very deep and very spiritual. It gives me goosebumps every time I think about it.”
He added: “I’m so happy that I’m able to do this for them [the people back home]. And I think, ‘Poor guys.
“‘They’re so happy for me and I’m the one doing it.’ And they’re so happy for me, even with the situation going on back home.
“I feel like they’re winning through me, winning through Nasrat and winning through all the other Afghan athletes that are doing well around the world.
“It’s saddening, but it makes me very happy that I’m doing my part. These guys have so little. And still, at the same time, they’re so grateful. So it’s admirable from them.”
Basharat came to the UK as a refugee with his mother and brothers at the age of five, three years after his father left their war-torn home to put the family on the path for a better life.
And for Basharat – who earned a UFC contract on the latest season of Dana White‘s last October – representing the UK is also a great source of pride.
The former London Shootfighters standout said: “I have an attachment to England too, but Afghanistan is where I’m from. That’s where my blood is from.”
Despite being undefeated with a perfect 11-0 record, Basharat recently made the decision to up sticks and move his training camp to Las Vegas.
His maiden octagon assignment will see him lock horns with Trevin Jones on the prelim portion of UFC Vegas 50 early on Sunday morning.
The UFC newcomer was less than impressed with Jones’ last outing against Saidyokub Kakhramonov, although he’s given him a pass for his lacklustre performance.
He said: “His last fight was trash. And I say that as respectfully as possible because he knows it also.
“But I don’t blame him as he had to cut weight three times in a month. I probably would’ve fought worse than him.
“So I know that’s not the Trevin that’s going to come into the fight this weekend.”
Basharat is expecting to tangle with a much-improved Jones but is confident he’ll leave the UFC’s Apex facility with his unbeaten record intact.
He said: “I think for sure I’m gonna finish this guy. Maybe round two or round three.
“Depending on what he gives me, really. It depends on how he fights because it takes two to tango.
“But I’m for sure going to be looking for the finish and I envision a finish. I don’t see this going the distance.”
