Aiemann Zahabi says Javid Basharat talked some early smack in-fight before big upset loss

LAS VEGAS – Aiemann Zahabi beat Javid Basharat with a unanimous decision Saturday on the preliminary card at UFC Fight Night 238 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas.

Take a look inside the fight with Zahabi, who upset a 9-1 betting favorite to hand him the first loss of his career.

Javid Basharat vs. Aiemann Zahabi

Result: Aiemann Zahabi def. Javid Basharat via unanimous decision (29-28, 29-28, 29-28)
Updated records: Zahabi (11-2 MMA, 5-2 UFC), Javid Basharat (14-1 MMA, 3-1 UFC)
Key stats: One online sportsbook had Basharat as much as a 20-1 betting favorite.

Zahabi on the fight's key moment

Aiemann Zahabi def. Javid Basharat, UFC Fight Night 23

“(There were) no surprises, but it did take me a while to kind of figure out his reach and his range. I knew that he had a bag of tricks. He has a taekwondo background. So I didn’t want to hit him with anything too hard, spinning wise. I didn’t want to hit him with a spinning back fist or a spinning back kick that would put me out or something like that. So I had to really take my time.”

Zahabi on a taunt from Basharat

Aiemann Zahabi def. Javid Basharat, UFC Fight Night 238

“Early in Round 1 when I threw the first overhand right, the way he pulled, I missed it, and I was like, ‘Oh, OK, so I still haven’t found the range, so I’ve got to be really careful before I throw.’ When I missed the first punch, when he evaded, he came back. He’s like, ‘Hey brother, you’re loading up too much. Take it easy.’ He said something like that. I can’t remember the exact quote or whatever, but he made fun of me loading up on the shot. But it was pretty funny. I didn’t get frustrated at the time. It was kind of like with Ricky (Turcios). I don’t let it get to me, and I just continue fighting my game until I figure you out.”

Zahabi on what he wants next

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA – MARCH 02: (R-L) Aiemann Zahabi of Canada punches Javid Basharat of Afghanistan in a bantamweight bout during the UFC Fight Night event at UFC APEX on March 02, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)

“I don’t have much in mind. It’s Ramadan in a few days, so we’re going to start with that. Then my team and my manager, we’re going to look over who’s next. What’s up there for me? What’s an opportunity? And we’ll take something, hopefully, before the year ends.”

To hear more from Zahabi, check out the video of the full post-fight interview above.

For more on the card, visit MMA Junkie’s event hub for UFC Fight Night 238.