​The UFC is facing backlash over its decision to part ways with Farid Basharat despite the bantamweight’s unbeaten record and perfect run inside the Octagon. The 29-year-old was not offered a new contract, bringing his UFC stint to an end at 16-0 overall and 7-0 in the promotion.Basharat’s lack of finishes has been a major talking point since news of his release surfaced. Six of his seven UFC wins came by decision, although he consistently got the job done against tough competition. His most recent outing was a victory over John Garza in July, adding to a resume that includes wins over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Taylor Lapilus.The Afghan fighter had built an impressive run after earning his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. He went on to win all seven of his Octagon appearances and even worked his way into the top 10 of the official bantamweight rankings. ٱلْحَمْدُ لِلَّٰهِ رَبِّ ٱلْعَالَمِينَThe news is confirmed, I am no longer with the UFC.I’ve had an incredibly successful time in the organisation. I’m proud and happy with what I’ve accomplished inside the Octagon. I leave with a stainless record. Holding the longest active win streak in my weight division and the fourth longest in the entire UFC. I feel I’m the best bantamweight in the world.
I always turned up and fought regardless of injuries and weight deficits. And I always asked for the toughest opponent to get me closer to the title.But my departure clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities. Unfortunately the organisation just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.
I want to clarify that since my last fight I was never offered a contract or an opponent, I waited but it never came. I’ve certainly never declined a fight during my whole tenure.I want to thank the UFC staff with whom I’ve developed a great relationship these past few years. And most importantly thank you to the fans for all your support I’m still young, the best is yet to come inshaAllah.— Farid Basharat (@faridbofficial) October 15, 2026His older brother, Javid Basharat, also parted ways with the promotion following a win and has since signed with the PFL. The 135-pounder later took aim at the UFC, accusing the organization of trying to delegitimize the sport and arguing that it had changed for the worse. Now, Dana White has weighed in on the controversial decision to release him.Dana White Suggests Farid Basharat’s UFC Release Was About More Than His 16-0 RecordDuring the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference, White was asked why Basharat was not offered a new deal. Suggesting that his record was not the only factor, the UFC CEO said, “Yeah, I think that when guys’ contracts are up, I mean, this isn’t the first time this has happened.”He went on to explain, “And either guys aren’t good to deal with, and the matchmakers don’t want to d