Dana White Leaves Farid Basharat’s UFC Exit Unexplained

UFC chief executive Dana White has declined to explain why the promotion did not renew the contract of undefeated Afghan-born bantamweight Farid Basharat, despite the fighter winning all seven of his UFC appearances.

Speaking at the UFC Edmonton post-fight news conference on Saturday, October 17, White acknowledged the questions surrounding Basharat's departure but stopped short of identifying the reason behind the decision.

“If you're 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC, and don't get re-signed, there's definitely a reason,” White said.

The 29-year-old Basharat has an unbeaten professional record of 16 victories and no defeats. His departure followed the expiration of his UFC contract, rather than a loss inside the Octagon.

The decision has attracted attention because Basharat was a ranked bantamweight contender who had continued to win against UFC opposition.

White said fighters sometimes leave the organisation for reasons beyond their competitive records. He mentioned difficulties in working with fighters and rejected bout offers as possible factors in some contract decisions.

However, he did not establish that either circumstance applied to Basharat.

That distinction matters because Basharat has publicly rejected suggestions that he was unwilling to accept challenging opponents.

In a social media statement following reports of his departure, Basharat said he had competed despite injuries and weight disadvantages and had consistently sought opponents who could move him closer to a title opportunity.

He also maintained that the UFC had not offered him another contract or a new opponent following his most recent victory.

Basharat entered the UFC through Dana White's Contender Series in 2022 and made his official promotional debut in 2023.

He subsequently recorded seven UFC victories, six of them by decision, and remained undefeated when his contract expired.

His final appearance for the promotion was a decision victory over John Garza in July 2026.

The fighter's departure raises a wider question about the relationship between sporting results and promotional decisions in professional mixed martial arts.

An unbeaten record can establish a fighter's competitive credentials, but it does not automatically guarantee a contract renewal. Promotions also make decisions about their rosters and commercial direction.

In Basharat's case, however, the UFC has not publicly identified the specific factor that led to its decision.

His brother, Javid Basharat, also left the UFC earlier in 2026, adding to interest in the future of the Afghan-born fighters.

Farid Basharat has not announced his next professional destination.

Until either party provides further details, the precise reason for the UFC's decision remains unresolved.