Farid Basharat rejects Dana White's stated reason for UFC release
Former UFC bantamweight Farid Basharat disputes that any specific cause led to his release, and says the promotion called him a boring fighter.
By Standard Topic. AI-generated from the reporting listed under Coverage. Published . Updated .
This story is no longer being updated. It reflects reporting up to .
What happened
Former UFC bantamweight Farid Basharat was let go by the promotion despite an undefeated 16-0 MMA record. Dana White has said there was a reason for the release, and Basharat denies it. Basharat also said the UFC told his team he was a boring fighter, while his brother Javid said he learned of the exit along with everyone else.
Why it matters
Basharat's denial leaves his account of the release in direct conflict with White's stated reason.
Timeline
- Oct 18, 3:30 PM ET: Basharat denies White's claim that there was a reason for his UFC release.
- Oct 18, 9:34 PM ET: Basharat suggests the UFC is cultivating a sloppy product.
- Oct 19, 4:00 AM ET: Javid Basharat backs his brother, saying he learned of the exit with everyone else, while Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO and Paramount rather than White for UFC releases.
- Oct 19, 10:35 PM ET: Basharat says the UFC told his team he was a boring fighter.
Coverage
- Farid Basharat Says UFC Told His Team He Was a Boring Fighter (heavy.com)
- Javid Basharat says brother learned of UFC exit with everyone else (Sherdog.com)
- Muhammad Mokaev blames TKO & Paramount, not Dana White, for UFC exits (Sherdog.com)
- 16-0 Farid Basharat fires back at Dana White over UFC exit comments (Sherdog.com)
- Farid Basharat Accuses UFC of Prioritizing Bloodbaths Over Technical Fights After Dana White’s Remarks (nyfights.com)
- Farid Basharat Suggests UFC is Cultivating a Sloppy Product (Yahoo Sports)
- Farid Basharat denies Dana White’s claim UFC release means he’s difficult (USA Today)
- Farid Basharat argues UFC is ‘manufacturing a fanbase that doesn’t appreciate quality fighting’ (Yahoo Sports)
- Winning isn’t enough? UFC’s priorities come into question as Farid Basharat's exit sparks debate (bloodyelbow.com)
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