Farid Basharat Released: UFC Cuts Undefeated 16-0 Bantamweight

Basharat’s contract ran out after his last fight, a unanimous-decision win over John Garza on the UFC 329 prelims in July. Garza took the bout on short notice after Ethyn Ewing withdrew with an injury.

Basharat went into that fight knowing it was the last one on his deal. “It’s a gamble. If it were up to me, I’d re-sign straight away because ultimately the UFC is where everybody wants to be. I love being here,” he told MMA Fighting before UFC 329. He said the UFC told him to “get this fight out of the way and then we can discuss.”

After the win, he said he had not heard from the promotion about a new contract. “It’s worth keeping me around. I think I tick all the boxes. I’m not sure what else could be required of me,” Basharat told MMA Junkie.

His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, made the case for keeping him in August. “It will be crazy if they don’t sign him, honestly. But I see a lot of crazy s— lately. At the end of the day, I don’t write the checks,” Abdelaziz said, per Bloody Elbow. “I think Farid is one of the best bantamweights on the planet. … The right thing to do is to re-sign him.”

No other reason for the release has been reported. Heavy suggested that the UFC’s preference for finishers and the raise he was likely due may have played a role. Six of Basharat’s seven UFC wins went to decision.

Who Is Farid Basharat?

Basharat earned his UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 and has not lost since. His UFC wins include victories over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Taylor Lapilus, and he climbed into the top 15 of the UFC’s official bantamweight rankings, according to MMA Fighting.

Following His Brother Out the Door

The UFC has now released both Basharat brothers. His older brother, Javid Basharat, was cut after a win over Gianni Vazquez at UFC Vegas 113 in February and has since signed with the PFL, MMA Fighting reported.

What’s Next for Basharat?

Basharat is free to sign with any promotion, and the UFC could still bring him back later. No talks with the PFL, ONE Championship, or any other organization have been reported.