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5 clusters · 16 sources · 13 days · First seen · Last updated

UFC release of Farid Basharat

Overview

Undefeated bantamweight fighter Farid Basharat has entered free agency following the expiration of his contract with the UFC. Basharat maintained a 16-0 professional record and a seven-fight winning streak within the promotion, most recently securing a unanimous decision victory over John Garza at UFC 329 despite competing with a torn MCL and meniscus.

UFC President Dana White addressed the decision not to re-sign Basharat during a press conference in Edmonton, noting that when undefeated fighters are released, “there’s definitely a reason,” suggesting the move may have been influenced by factors such as a fighter being difficult to work with or declining fights. Basharat’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz of Dominance MMA, denied these claims, asserting that Basharat has always been a “company guy” who accepts offered opponents. Basharat subsequently released a statement denying he had declined fights and expressed concern that White’s comments could damage his professional reputation.

Basharat has disputed the implications of White’s comments, stating he has not been offered new opponents or contract dates since his last appearance. In a conversation with Demetrious Johnson, Basharat stated the promotion expressed dissatisfaction with his fighting style, noting that officials indicated they did not like the way he competed. He argued the UFC may be “manufacturing a fan base” by prioritizing aggressive, high-finish fighters over technical athletes.

Following public outcry, Dana White issued an apology during the UFC 333 post-fight press conference. White clarified that his previous remarks were “general observations rather than specific criticisms of Basharat,” stating, “When I was talking to the media that night and I was saying reasons that you could not get re-signed, I wasn’t saying that about him.” White expressed regret after seeing Basharat’s response on social media, noting he had no personal or professional issues with the fighter.

Entities

Farid Basharat · UFC · Dana White · Muhammad Mokaev · Joaquin Buckley

Timeline

  1. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    Dana White apologizes to Farid Basharat over UFC departure comments

    UFC CEO Dana White apologized to undefeated fighter Farid Basharat, clarifying that previous comments implying he was difficult to work with were not directed at him personally.

  2. [SPORTS] 2 sources
    UFC President Dana White addresses Farid Basharat release

    UFC President Dana White clarified that his comments on contract non-renewals were general, following the controversial release of undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat.

  3. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    UFC fighter Farid Basharat addresses contract departure

    Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat claims the UFC declined to re-sign him due to his fighting style, despite his 7-0 promotional record and 16-0 professional standing.

  4. [SPORTS] 10 sources
    Farid Basharat disputes UFC decision to decline contract renewal

    Undefeated fighter Farid Basharat has responded to UFC President Dana White after the promotion declined to renew his contract, sparking debate over whether the UFC favors brawlers over technical fighters.

  5. [SPORTS] 5 sources
    Farid Basharat enters free agency after UFC contract expires

    Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat has become a free agent after his UFC contract expired following a victory at UFC 329.

Sources

agfight.com · bjpenn.com · boxingnews.com · cagesidepress.com · deadspin.com · heavy.com · klangi.fi · lowkickmma.com · middleeasy.com · mmamania.com · si.com · spacemoney.com.br · sportbible.com · sportskeeda.com · themaclife.com · viagemegastronomia.com.br

This summary has been updated 4 times: see revision history