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UFC release of Farid Basharat

Updated 4 times since CLSTR started tracking revisions of this situation.

What changed

2026-10-23 04:45 UTC → 2026-10-27 01:43 UTC · added removed

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, including opponents. Basharat subsequently released a fight against an opponent 10 pounds overweight. 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 after his fourth fight, 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 clarified his remarks issued an apology during a the UFC 333 post-fight press conference in Abu Dhabi, stating conference. White clarified that his previous comments remarks were intended as “general observations rather than specific criticisms of Basharat.” However, the departure has continued Basharat,” stating, “When I was talking to spark debate; commentator Joe Rogan criticized the practice of releasing undefeated fighters based on style, arguing athletes should be permitted to use their specific skill sets regardless of entertainment value. This sentiment media that night and I was echoed by Muhammad Mokaev, who questioned if the UFC discourages technical 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 wrestling-heavy styles. professional issues with the fighter.

Versions

  1. 2026-10-27 01:43 UTC UFC release of Farid Basharat
  2. 2026-10-23 04:45 UTC UFC release of Farid Basharat
  3. 2026-10-20 22:13 UTC UFC release of Farid Basharat
  4. 2026-10-19 04:52 UTC UFC release of Farid Basharat
  5. 2026-10-18 06:21 UTC UFC release of Farid Basharat

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