Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat has been removed from the UFC roster after compiling a 7-0 record inside the Octagon, despite holding a perfect 16-0 professional record and a No. 13 ranking in the division. The promotion declined to renew his contract following his July victory at UFC 329.
The Ultimate Fighting Championship dropped the 29-year-old fighter after his existing agreement concluded with a unanimous decision win over John Garza at UFC 329, as MMA Fighting first reported. Basharat earned his spot in the promotion by defeating Allan Begosso on Dana White’s Contender Series in September 2022. During his seven-fight run in the Octagon, he secured notable victories over Taylor Lapilus, Chris Gutierrez, Jean Matsumoto, and Da’Mon Blackshear.
Decisions and the Decision-Win Ratio
While Basharat maintained an unblemished record, Yardbarker noted that the manner in which he secured his victories likely influenced the promotion’s choice. Six of his seven UFC wins came via the judges’ scorecards, with his only stoppage being a submission victory over Kleydson Rodrigues in September 2023.
The roster shake-up coincides with an influx of new talent. Following the conclusion of the tenth season of Dana White’s Contender Series, which matched a record by handing out 46 contracts in a single season, the promotion moved to clear space for incoming prospects, according to Bloody Elbow. Basharat joins other high-profile fighters like Michael “Venom” Page who have recently exited the organization.
Injuries and Contract Demands at UFC 329
Before his departure, Basharat revealed the physical toll he endured during his final promotional appearance. Lowkickmma reported that the bantamweight told Joe Rogan he competed despite significant knee damage.
Look, weight misses, injuries. I tore my MCL and my meniscus 3 weeks before this fight… All fight week, I was limping to my interviews. But I don’t care. I want to be the best in the world. This the UFC is my dream since I was 10 years old. And as long as I stay in this organization, I know 100% I’m going to be champion… I think I’m the most underrated fighter in this roster. I think I’m the most well-rounded guy in this roster, and I know I’m going to be the champion of this weight division. I just need opportunity to fight up. I need to be fighting up.
Farid Basharat, via Lowkickmma
Managerial Warnings and Fan Reaction
Basharat’s management anticipated potential friction over contract renewal terms. Sports Illustrated noted that his manager, Ali Abdelaziz, expressed concern months prior about the promotion letting an undefeated talent walk away.
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. I think Farid is one of the best bantamweights on the planet.
Ali Abdelaziz, via Yardbarker
The decision drew sharp criticism across social media platforms from observers questioning the retention of undefeated competitors. Sportbible highlighted various reactions from supporters expressing disbelief over the sudden roster cut.
Bro what? Farid Basharat, Mokaev, Rinat Fakhretdinov, and MANY more cut while being UNDEFEATED?
Anonymous fan, via SPORTbible
Family Parallels and Free Agency
Farid is not the only member of his family to navigate a departure from the organization. The Economic Times reported that his older brother, Javid Basharat, was released earlier in the year following a victory over Gianni Vazquez. Javid subsequently signed with the Professional Fighters League, successfully debuting in August with a unanimous decision win over Movsar Ibragimov.
Now operating as a free agent, Farid Basharat retains an unblemished 16-0 professional record. While Heavy reported that a future return to the UFC remains a theoretical possibility, his immediate promotional destination is unconfirmed as other major organizations weigh potential offers.