Farid Basharat is no longer with the UFC. The 29-year-old bantamweight, unbeaten in 16 fights including 7 in the UFC, was not offered a new contract after his win over John Garza in July, MMA Fighting reported. The UFC has given no explanation. Basharat, ranked in the division’s top 15, is now a free agent.
Key takeaways
- Farid Basharat (16-0), 29, has been removed from the UFC roster, according to MMA Fighting. His contract ran out after UFC 329 in July.
- He was 7-0 in the UFC, including a win over France's Taylor Lapilus, but 6 of his 7 wins came on points.
- After Michael Page and Muhammad Mokaev, he is another fighter on a winning run that the UFC has let go.
Farid Basharat released by the UFC: what we know
The report
MMA Fighting reported on Wednesday, October 14 that Basharat was no longer on the UFC roster. Sherdog and Yahoo Sports followed. The promotion has not commented.
The end of the deal
His last fight, on July 11 at UFC 329, was the final one on his contract. He beat short-notice replacement John Garza on points (30-27, 29-28, 29-28). He says he heard nothing from the UFC afterwards.
A gamble he named
Before that fight, Basharat called the situation a gamble: the UFC had told him to get the fight done before discussing a new deal. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, called in August for him to be re-signed.
An unbeaten run
7-0 in the UFC
Basharat earned his contract on the Contender Series in 2022. In the UFC he beat Kleydson Rodrigues, Victor Hugo, Taylor Lapilus, Chris Gutierrez, Jean Matsumoto and John Garza, among others.
The other side
6 of his 7 UFC wins went to the judges. According to Yahoo Sports, the UFC’s taste for finishers and the raise he was due may have played a part. No official reason has been given.
His brother’s precedent
His brother Javid Basharat also left the UFC in February, after a win, and has since signed with the PFL.
It's worth keeping me around. I think I tick all the boxes.
What now?
Free agent
Born on August 2, 1997, Basharat can sign anywhere. No talks with another promotion have been reported, and the UFC could still bring him back.
A pattern
Michael Page, who left in September after 4 straight wins, and Muhammad Mokaev before him also saw their contracts lapse despite winning runs.
Follow what comes next
Farid Basharat’s profile, record and fight history are in the FightHub app.
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