UFC veteran Javid Basharat among 18 new PFL signings

UFC veteran Javid Basharat has signed with the Professional Fighters League, joining 18 new athletes across nine weight classes and 14 countries announced by the promotion on Wednesday. Basharat, who competed seven times in the UFC after earning his contract through Dana White's Contender Series, compiled a 4–2 record with one no contest. Known as "The Snow Leopard," the bantamweight last fought at UFC Fight Night 266 on February 7, securing a unanimous decision over Gianni Vazquez. Fellow UFC veteran Daniel Marcos, also signed in the wave of additions, is among the other notable recruits. PFL CEO John Martin said in a statement that the signings reflect the league's commitment to building a competitive roster. The 18 new signings span multiple weight classes: Leon Hill (welterweight), Lucero Acosta (flyweight), Moustapha Diakhate (light heavyweight), Valeria Ramirez (strawweight), Cassio Junior (lightweight), Roland Dunlap (light heavyweight), Avery Guidebeck (lightweight), Ilian Bouafia (middleweight), Trukon Carson (welterweight), Brandon Brachet (lightweight), Max Metzgar (lightweight), Hasan Mezhiev (heavyweight), Jonathan Piersma (welterweight), Marina Merchuk (strawweight), Felipe Oliveira (featherweight), and Zach Nishimwe (heavyweight).