In an unexpected development in the MMA world, unbeaten fighter Farid Basharat has reportedly been released from the UFC even after securing a flawless record of 7-0 within the Octagon. Basharat, who is 29 years old and holds an impressive 16-0 professional record, now finds himself without a deal from the premier MMA promotion, leading to questions regarding the rationale behind this surprising decision.
Understanding Farid Basharat's Journey
Farid Basharat, a British mixed martial artist of Afghan descent, competes in the bantamweight division and is known as 'Ferocious'. His journey to the UFC began when he qualified through Dana White's Contender Series in 2022, demonstrating his talent and determination.
Basharat captured the attention of UFC executives after a noteworthy victory over Allan Begosso, earning him a contract with the organization. He made his debut at UFC 285 in early 2023, successfully defeating Da'Mon Blackshear. Throughout his UFC tenure, Farid continued to impress, achieving notable victories against opponents such as Kleydson Rodrigues, Taylor Lapilus, Chris Gutierrez, and Jean Matsumoto.
His triumph over Rodrigues stands out, as it marked the only finish in his UFC career, with his other six wins coming by way of decision.
Recent Fight and UFC Ranking
Basharat’s latest outing occurred at UFC 329 in July 2026, where he emerged victorious against newcomer John Garza by unanimous decision after his original opponent, Ethyn Ewing, withdrew. Despite remaining unbeaten and climbing into the top 10 of the UFC bantamweight rankings, the news of his release caught many by surprise.
Reasons Behind the Release
According to reports from MMA Fighting, which broke the news on October 14, Basharat fulfilled his UFC contract with his victory over Garza, but a new contract was not offered. This situation renders him a free agent, allowing him to explore opportunities with other promotions. The UFC has not clarified the reasons behind the decision to not renew his contract, leaving fans and analysts speculating.
Interestingly, this isn't the first time a member of the Basharat family has faced a similar predicament. Farid's older brother, Javid, was also released from the UFC earlier this year despite winning his final fight. Javid has since signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL).
What’s Next for Basharat?
The unexpected release is particularly striking considering that Basharat has never tasted defeat in his MMA career, including his seven consecutive wins in the UFC. It raises the question of whether he will return to the Octagon in the future or pursue new opportunities elsewhere while maintaining his impressive unbeaten streak.
The MMA community watches closely to see where Farid Basharat’s career will take him next, eager to support his continued journey in the sport.
