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Dana White offers vague response to UFC cutting 16-0 bantamweight on seven-fight win streak
Farid Basharat leaves the UFC with a 16-0 record after the promotion declined to renew his contract, Dana White said there was more to the decision.
Last week, the UFC released undefeated Farid Basharat after his contract expired, ending his tenure despite a perfect 16-0 MMA record and 7-0 run within the organization.
White hinted the decision stemmed from matchmaker issues, noting that fighters who "aren't good to deal with" or turn down fights face contract non-renewal.
Before his release, the Afghan-born Brit had climbed to number eight in bantamweight rankings. Unlike the Shane Burgos situation, White seemed to agree with the organization's decision.
Basharat now enters free agency with multiple landing spots, including joining his brother Javid Basharat at PFL or MVP MMA, or competing in Europe or the Middle East.
Despite the unexpected departure from the Octagon, the undefeated fighter should secure a new deal quickly given his unblemished professional record and strong market position.