Farid Basharat: From Refugee Camp to UFC Ring

Farid Basharat, now 28, grew up in a world torn apart by war. Born in Afghanistan’s Paktia province in 1997, his family fled the civil conflict and first found shelter in Pakistan. Later they moved to England, where Farid spent his childhood among other refugees. He began training in Taekwondo at age twelve, a decision that followed his older brother Javid’s path into martial arts. The brothers share the same weight class in the UFC, but they have vowed never to fight each other. Their rivalry is a story of family loyalty rather than competition. Farid’s professional record exploded after an undefeated streak of eight wins, all finished in striking or grappling. A decisive victory over Alan Begosso at Dana White’s Contender Series earned him a spot on the UFC roster in 2022. His success is deeply tied to the support of his brother and the discipline instilled during their early training.Ethnically Afghan, Farid maintains a strong sense of identity rooted in his homeland. Religiously, he is an observant Muslim who prioritizes faith over monetary gain. In interviews, he has emphasized that spiritual values guide his choices both inside and outside the octagon. When asked about a potential bout against Javid, Farid declined, citing respect for their bond and the example of other fighters who choose friendship over profit. His stance mirrors that of Khabib Nurmagomedov, blending humility with ambition. Farid’s journey illustrates how a fighter can transform displacement into determination. His background—Afghan roots, British upbringing, and Islamic faith—continues to shape his approach to the sport and life.