TLDR
- Undefeated fighter Farid Basharat left the UFC after completing his contract despite a 16-0 record with seven UFC wins
- Dana White suggested the departure was due to issues beyond fighting performance, possibly related to difficult dealings with matchmakers
- White said fighters who don’t get re-signed may turn down fights or be difficult to work with behind the scenes
- Basharat claimed his departure had nothing to do with his fighting ability and criticized the UFC’s current direction
- This situation mirrors Muhammad Mokaev’s 2024 departure when White cited ‘bad shit that happened behind the scenes’
Sources: mmafighting.com
UFC President Dana White addressed questions about Farid Basharat’s departure from the organization, hinting at behind-the-scenes issues that led to the undefeated fighter not being re-signed. White spoke to reporters following Saturday’s UFC Edmonton event.
Basharat became a free agent this week after his UFC contract expired. The fighter holds a perfect 16-0 record that includes seven victories inside the UFC octagon.
The departure raised questions among fans and media because fighters with undefeated records are rarely allowed to leave the promotion. Basharat recorded only one finish during his UFC tenure, leading some to speculate his fighting style wasn’t exciting enough for the organization.
Farid Basharat accuses the UFC of cultivating a fan base that values blood and finishes over high-level fighting, warning that the approach could damage the sport’s credibility.
“I think the company, the UFC, is manufacturing a fan base that doesn't appreciate good-quality… pic.twitter.com/MRE7xFsILy
— Red Corner MMA (@RedCorner_MMA) October 18, 2026
White Points to Matchmaker Difficulties
White suggested the decision went beyond Basharat’s in-cage performance or contract negotiations. He said fighters who don’t get re-signed often have issues working with the UFC’s matchmakers.
“I think that when guys’ contracts are up—I mean, this is the first time this has happened—either guys aren’t good to deal with and the matchmakers don’t want to deal with them, which could be turning down fights or whatever the reasoning is,” White said. “If you’re 16-0, with seven wins in the UFC and don’t get re-signed, there’s definitely a reason.”
White did not provide specific details about what happened with Basharat. Reporters did not ask any follow-up questions on the topic.
Basharat released his own statement earlier in the week about leaving the UFC. He wrote that his departure “clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities.”
“Unfortunately the organization just isn’t what it used to be,” Basharat stated. “They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.”
Similar Pattern With Previous Fighter
This situation mirrors a previous case involving undefeated flyweight Muhammad Mokaev. The UFC allowed Mokaev to leave in 2024 after he defeated top contender Manel Kape.
White made similar cryptic comments when asked about Mokaev’s departure. “There was so much bad shit that happened behind the scenes,” White said at the time.
Mokaev had been involved in several physical altercations with Kape leading up to their fight at UFC 304. Mokaev later said he was “upset” that the UFC painted him as “a bad guy” and nearly ruined his reputation.
Basharat’s brother Javid also left the UFC this year. Javid holds a 4-2 record with one no contest in the organization and departed after defeating Gianni Vazquez.
The Basharat brothers’ exits mark a rare occurrence of family members both leaving the UFC in the same year. Both fighters remain free agents and can now negotiate with other mixed martial arts promotions.
