The UFC is dealing with backlash over its choice to half methods with Farid Basharat despite the bantamweight’s unbeaten document and good run inside the Octagon. The 29-year-old was not supplied a new contract, bringing his UFC stint to an finish at 16-0 general and 7-0 in the promotion.
Basharat’s lack of finishes has been a main speaking level since information of his release surfaced. Six of his seven UFC wins came by choice, although he persistently got the job finished against powerful competitors. His most latest outing was a victory over John Garza in July, including to a resume that consists of wins over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Taylor Lapilus.
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The Afghan fighter had constructed an spectacular run after incomes his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022. He went on to win all seven of his Octagon appearances and even labored his approach into the prime 10 of the official bantamweight rankings.
His older brother, Javid Basharat, also parted methods with the promotion following a win and has since signed with the PFL. The 135-pounder later took goal at the UFC, accusing the group of making an attempt to delegitimize the sport and arguing that it had modified for the worse. Now, Dana White has weighed in on the controversial choice to release him.
Dana White Suggests Farid Basharat’s UFC Release Was About More Than His 16-0 Record
During the UFC Edmonton post-fight press convention, White was requested why Basharat was not supplied a new deal. Suggesting that his document was not the only issue, the UFC CEO said, “Yeah, I think that when guys’ contracts are up, I mean, this isn’t the first time this has happened.”
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He went on to clarify, “And either guys aren’t good to deal with, and the matchmakers don’t want to deal with them. Or, you know, which could be turning down fights or whatever the reasoning is.”
White then hinted that there could be more to Basharat’s departure than meets the eye, including, “If you’re 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC and don’t get re-signed, there’s definitely a reason.”
Despite his UFC exit, Basharat should have lots of choices as a free agent. With an unbeaten document and seven Octagon victories to his identify, he could appeal to curiosity from other main promotions. PFL/MVP MMA is one potential vacation spot, particularly since his older brother, Javid Basharat, has already joined the promotion after his own UFC release.
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Farid is also far from the only fighter to depart the UFC despite selecting up wins. In September, the promotion opted not to re-sign Michael ‘Venom’ Page despite his 5-1 document inside the Octagon. Even a victory in Paris was not enough to earn him another deal, raising further questions about how the UFC evaluates its roster.
Daniel Marcos was also eliminated from the UFC roster this yr despite holding an 18-1 document. Meanwhile, another fighter who had yet to endure a skilled loss just lately joined his divisional peer outside the Octagon.
The UFC’s earlier choice to release Muhammad Mokaev, with White also pointing to behind-the-scenes points, has only added to the frustration surrounding these departures.
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The state of affairs becomes even more puzzling when fighters like Tai Tuivasa stay on the roster despite being on an eight-fight dropping streak. While every fighter’s circumstances are totally different, the distinction raises an apparent query: Is the UFC always the best place for the best fighters in the world?
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