It will be a bittersweet moment in Javid Basharat's eagerly awaited UFC debut.
The Snow Leopard, a Pakita-born Snow Leopard, has dreamed for years of proudly draped himself in the flag Afghanistan while making his way to the Octagon.
Javid Basharat secured his spot in the UFC on October 31st via the Contenders Series. He will make his debut
this weekend.
However, the Taliban's overthrow of his homeland and subsequent change of the flag of the nation from the historical and storied red, green and black banner have thwarted those hopes.
SunSport interviewed him: "It was a bit of a heartbreak [when they said I couldn't wear it].
"Because that's what I wanted, you know. Because Amir Albazi, the first Iraqi fighter to use that flag on his UFC logo, is Amir Albazi.
They don't make them, he is the only one. It is rare to find one. One [Afghani fighter] is Nasrat Haqparast. He's doing well in the UFC.
"He has mine and I wanted my so much. It was going be a very rare item, and one that you would want to keep.
"I don’t know how, but every time I visualized this, I had this in my mind and carried my flag. Unfortunately, the UFC didn't recognize that flag as an official one.
It was heartbreaking, but it was what it was. Yet, at the same moment, I'll be the living flag in flesh."
Basharat was the third fighter to compete in mixed martial arts' top promotion in his country's past.
He is fully aware of the beacon for hope he has become for his countrymen, and countrywomen back at home.
He stated, "The pride and honor I feel representing this nation is incredible. One of the reasons I feel so confident entering the fight is that I know my roots.
"I know my roots and who I am fighting for. It motivates me, but it's not like fighting.
"Fighters need to be motivated, because they're about get in a fistfight. It does however add an element.
"I don't know what it is but it's deep and spiritual. It gives me goosebumps whenever I think about it."
He said, "I'm so glad that I'm in a position to do this for them [the folks back home]. He said, "Poor guys."
"They're so happy to see me, and I'm the one doing it," And they're so happy to see me, despite the difficult situation back home.
"I feel like they are winning through me, winning through Nasrat, and winning through all of the other Afghan athletes who are doing well in the world.
It's saddening but it makes me happy that I am doing my part. These men have so little. Yet, they are so grateful. It's admirable of them."
Basharat, a five-year-old refugee from Syria, arrived in the UK with his brother and mother as refugees. This was three years after his father fled his war-torn homeland to help his family find a better future.
Basharat, who was awarded a UFC contract in the latest Dana White's October last year, also finds great pride representing the UK.
Former London Shootfighters star said, "I have an attachment too England but Afghanistan is where my blood is from." It's where I get my blood."
Basharat, despite being undefeated and sporting a perfect record of 11-0, recently decided to move his training camp from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.
Trevin Jones will be his maiden octagon opponent. They will face off on the prelim portion UFC Vegas 50, which begins at 6:00 AM on Sunday.
Jones' last fight against Saidyokub Kazakhramonov was not a good one for the UFC novice. However, he has given Jones a pass for his poor performance.
He stated that "His last fight had been trash." He knows it too, so I respectfully say this.
"But I don’t blame him, as he had three weight loss sessions in one month. He probably would have fought worse than me.
"So, I know that it's not Trevin who's going into the fight this Saturday."
Basharat expects to wrestle with Jones, but is positive he will leave the UFC's Apex facility without any injuries.
He stated, "I believe for certain I'm going to finish this guy. Perhaps round two or three.
"It all depends on what he gives to me. It all depends on how he fights, because it takes two people to tango.
"But I know I will be looking for the finish, and I see a finish. This is not going to be the end of it."
