UFC Releases Farid Basharat Despite Perfect 16-0 Record
Farid Basharat is off the UFC roster despite an undefeated 16-0 record. The bantamweight completed his contract with seven consecutive Octagon victories.
Farid Basharat’s remarkable run in the UFC has come to an unexpected halt, with the undefeated bantamweight removed from the promotion’s roster despite holding a flawless professional record. According to MMA Fighting, Basharat wrapped up his contract following his win over John Garza in July but was not offered a new deal.
The development leaves the 29-year-old free to explore opportunities elsewhere, although a return to the UFC remains possible.
The decision comes after Basharat made a name for himself as a promising contender in the 135-pound division. He earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 and went on to win all seven of his fights in the promotion.
Farid Basharat Leaves UFC After Seven Straight Wins
Basharat made his final UFC appearance at UFC 329 on July 11, where he clinched a unanimous decision win against John Garza. The victory not only extended his undefeated professional record to 16-0 but also marked his impressive 20-fight winning streak, as reported by MMA Fighting.
Basharat’s final UFC appearance came at UFC 329 on July 11, 2026, where he secured a unanimous decision victory over John Garza. The result extended his undefeated professional record to 16-0 and his overall winning streak to 20 fights, according to MMA Fighting.
His time in the Octagon features notable victories over fighters like Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez, and Taylor Lapilus. Those performances helped him establish himself among the division’s ranked fighters.
However, there was already some contract uncertainty looming before his bout against Garza. Basharat had previously acknowledged that the matchup was the last one on his current deal and expressed his hope that a strong performance would earn him a renewal.
What’s Next for the Undefeated Bantamweight?
With his UFC contract completed, Basharat is now free to explore other opportunities with other MMA promotions. However, this departure doesn't completely shut the door on a potential return, as the UFC might extend his offer later in the future.
His situation also mirrors that of his older brother, Javid Basharat, who exited the UFC after winning his final contracted fight and subsequently joined the PFL.
For now, Farid's next steps are a bit of a mystery. Even with this setback, his impressive 16-0 record and seven straight victories in the UFC make him a compelling fighter to keep an eye out for in the bantamweight division.
