Farid Basharat says the UFC declined to offer him another contract despite his undefeated record, according to an October 19 report from POST Wrestling.
The 29-year-old bantamweight leaves with a 16-0 professional record and seven UFC victories. His next career move remains unresolved despite that unbeaten run.
In POST Wrestling’s account of his video, Basharat said he completed his second UFC contract with a July victory over John Garza at UFC 329.
He said he asked about another deal but received no offer. That describes a contract ending without renewal, rather than a loss that ended his unbeaten run.
Basharat also offered his own explanation for the decision, arguing that his technical approach does not match the direction he believes the promotion wants to take.
His view centers on a perceived preference for brawling and spectacular finishes. It remains his assessment of the UFC’s motives, rather than an established reason for his departure.
Six of Basharat’s seven UFC victories came by decision, POST Wrestling reported. He defended using opponents’ weaknesses and avoiding their strengths as legitimate high-level fighting.
He also challenged the idea that entertainment should be measured principally by finishes, arguing that a promotion needs fans who value skill and competitive quality.
Basharat argued that prioritizing bloody mismatches might attract short-term attention but could eventually undermine the sport’s credibility and what its audience expects from elite competition.
The controversy widened after Dana White addressed the departure at the UFC Edmonton postfight news conference. Sherdog reported that White suggested considerations beyond Basharat’s winning record.
White referred generally to situations involving difficult dealings with matchmakers or fighters declining bouts. He did not identify a specific incident involving Basharat in those remarks.
In an Instagram Stories response reported by Sherdog, Farid denied turning down fights and said White had offered assumptions without substantiating them with specific facts.
His brother Javid supported that account, saying neither refused fights nor was difficult to work with. He also said they had not discussed renewing Farid’s contract.
Javid claimed they waited three months and learned of the departure when everyone else did. Those details are his account of the process, rather than independently established negotiations.
Sherdog reported that Javid’s own UFC contract was not renewed in February. His comments about Farid therefore come from a brother who experienced a separate departure.
Farid has not identified his next destination. He told viewers he intends to keep fighting, leaving the choice of another promotion unresolved as he enters free agency.
