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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.
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Heavy broke the news in Las Vegas, United States on Sunday, October 18, 2026.
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