Dana White Breaks Silence on Farid Basharat’s UFC Exit After 16-0 Run

Dana White Breaks Silence on Farid Basharat’s UFC Exit After 16-0 Run

UFC president Dana White has addressed Farid Basharat’s departure from the promotion but stopped short of revealing the specific reason his contract was not renewed. Speaking at the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference on October 17, White suggested that contract decisions can involve issues such as difficult relationships with fighters, disagreements with matchmakers or fighters turning down bouts. He insisted there was a reason behind the decision but made no specific allegation against Basharat.

Basharat left the UFC with an unbeaten 16-0 professional record, including seven victories in seven promotional appearances. In a statement released on October 15, the Afghan-born bantamweight denied turning down fights, saying he had received neither a new contract nor an opponent since his last appearance. He also maintained that he had consistently sought challenging matchups in pursuit of a title opportunity.

The contract dispute had reportedly been developing for months, with Basharat previously saying he wanted to renew his agreement after his July victory over John Garza. Despite White’s comments, the UFC has not publicly established that Basharat rejected a fight or that any particular dispute caused his exit. The unbeaten fighter has expressed confidence in his future, although no new promotion or return date has been announced.