Farid Basharat vented his disappointment with the UFC after not being offered a new contract with the promotion.
The undefeated 16-0 bantamweight, who went 7-0 inside the octagon, was removed from the roster, MMA Fighting first reported Wednesday. A day later, Basharat released a statement on social media confirming the news and criticizing UFC’s latest approach when it comes to releases.
“I always turned up and fought regardless of injuries and weight deficits,” Basharat wrote. “And I always asked
for the toughest opponent to get me closer to the title. But my departure clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities. Unfortunately the organization just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.”
Farid and his brother Javid Basharat were let go by the UFC despite the fact they were coming off victories in 2026. The bantamweight talent was ranked in the top 10 of the division and is proud of his “stainless record” in the sport.
“I’ve had an incredibly successful time in the organization,” Basharat wrote. “I’m proud and happy with what I’ve accomplished inside the octagon. I leave with a stainless record. Holding the longest active win streak in my weight division and the fourth longest in the entire UFC. I feel I’m the best bantamweight in the world.”
Basharat has yet to confirm his next step in the sport, but promised “the best is yet to come.”
