UFC fighter Farid Basharat addresses contract departure

Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat has addressed his unexpected departure from the UFC after a 7-0 promotional record. Basharat stated in a conversation with Demetrious Johnson that the promotion expressed dissatisfaction with his fighting style, noting that after his fourth fight, officials indicated they did not like the way he competed.

UFC CEO Dana White suggested that fighters who are not re-signed may be difficult to work with or may turn down fights. However, Basharat’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, denied these claims, asserting that Basharat has always been a “company guy” who accepts offered opponents, including a fight against an opponent 10 pounds overweight.

Basharat’s professional record stands at 16-0, though he did not secure any finishes during his tenure with the UFC. His exit follows a similar pattern for his brother, Javid Basharat, who was also released after his contract expired and has since signed with the PFL.