The former top-10 bantamweight contender, Farid Basharat, criticizes the UFC’s direction after leaving the promotion with a flawless 16-0 professional record.
In one of the more surprising roster departures of 2026, undefeated bantamweight contender Farid Basharat has parted ways with the UFC despite compiling a perfect 7-0 record inside the Octagon and climbing into the division’s top 10 rankings.
The 29-year-old Afghan-born British fighter, nicknamed “Ferocious,” exits the promotion with an unblemished 16-0 professional record following the expiration of his UFC contract.
According to MMA Fighting, Basharat completed his contractual obligations with a unanimous decision victory over John Garza in July 2026 but was not offered a new agreement.
His departure is particularly unusual given his undefeated record, divisional ranking, and continued momentum toward a potential championship opportunity.
Now a free agent, Basharat has publicly questioned the UFC’s direction, suggesting his departure had little to do with his performances inside the cage.
Seven UFC Fights, Seven Victories, No New Contract
Basharat earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 and quickly established himself as one of the bantamweight division’s most promising talents.
Over the following years, he assembled seven consecutive UFC victories, defeating a range of experienced opponents and emerging contenders.
His notable wins include victories over Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutiérrez, Taylor Lapilus, Victor Hugo, Kleydson Rodrigues, Da’Mon Blackshear, and John Garza.
Known for his technical striking, movement, disciplined approach, and well-rounded grappling, Basharat steadily worked his way into the bantamweight rankings without suffering a single professional defeat.
By the time his contract expired, he had reached the UFC’s top 10 at 135 pounds.
Rather than receiving a new contract and an opportunity to continue his pursuit of championship contention, Basharat found himself outside the promotion.
Although his departure has been described as a roster removal, the circumstances are important: Basharat reportedly fought out his contract and was not offered a renewal, rather than being released midway through an existing agreement.
The UFC has not publicly provided a detailed explanation for its decision.
Basharat Breaks Silence: “The Organization Just Isn’t What It Used to Be”
Following reports of his departure, Farid Basharat addressed the situation in a statement on social media, expressing pride in his accomplishments while criticizing the promotion’s direction.
“I always turned up and fought regardless of injuries and weight deficits.”
Basharat explained that he consistently pursued difficult matchups in an effort to move closer to a title opportunity.
He also made it clear that he does not believe his departure was related to his ability to compete at the highest level.
“But my departure clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities.”
The undefeated bantamweight then delivered his strongest criticism of the organization.
“Unfortunately the organization just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.”
His comments reflect frustration with a promotion in which he had remained undefeated while working his way toward the top of the division.
Despite the circumstances, Basharat emphasized that he remains proud of his achievements.
He highlighted his perfect professional record and stated that, at the time of his departure, he held the longest active winning streak in the UFC bantamweight division and the fourth-longest active streak across the organization.
Basharat also expressed unwavering confidence in his abilities, declaring:
“I feel I’m the best bantamweight in the world.”
Another Basharat Brother Leaves the UFC
Farid Basharat’s departure comes after his older brother, Javid Basharat, also parted ways with the UFC earlier in 2026.
Like Farid, Javid left the organization following a victory, making the brothers’ departures an unusual development in the bantamweight landscape.
Javid has since signed with the Professional Fighters League (PFL), opening another chapter in his professional career.
The brothers built their reputations through disciplined striking, technical grappling, and their rise through the international MMA scene.
With both now outside the UFC, questions remain about where Farid will continue his career and whether he could eventually join his older brother in the PFL.
For now, no new promotional agreement has been announced for the undefeated contender.
What Does Basharat’s Departure Say About the UFC?
Farid Basharat’s exit raises broader questions about how the UFC evaluates fighters when deciding whether to renew contracts.
While his undefeated record speaks to his effectiveness, his fighting style has not always produced the spectacular finishes associated with some of the promotion’s biggest stars.
Six of Basharat’s seven UFC victories came by decision, with his submission of Kleydson Rodrigues accounting for his lone finish inside the Octagon.
His approach emphasizes technical control, positioning, and winning rounds rather than consistently pursuing high-risk exchanges.
That distinction has fueled discussion about whether the UFC increasingly prioritizes entertainment value alongside competitive results.
However, there is no confirmed evidence that Basharat’s fighting style was the reason his contract was not renewed. The UFC has not publicly explained the decision, and any connection between his approach and his departure remains speculative.
Basharat also clarified that he had not declined any fights during his UFC tenure and said he was never offered another opponent or contract following his July victory.
His departure nevertheless presents an unusual situation: a ranked, undefeated contender leaving the world’s largest MMA promotion without suffering a professional defeat.
What’s Next for Farid Basharat?
At 29 years old, Farid Basharat remains in the prime of his professional career.
With a 16-0 record and seven UFC victories, he enters free agency with credentials that could make him an attractive addition to another major MMA organization.
The PFL represents one potential destination, particularly given his brother Javid’s recent move to the promotion.
Other international organizations could also provide opportunities for Basharat to continue building his career, although no negotiations or agreements have been publicly confirmed.
A return to the UFC is not entirely out of the question either. Having completed his contract, Basharat remains eligible to negotiate a new agreement should both sides reconsider their positions.
For now, he appears focused on the future rather than dwelling on his departure.
In his statement, Basharat assured supporters that “the best is yet to come.”
Whether that next chapter unfolds in the PFL, another promotion, or eventually back inside the UFC Octagon remains to be seen.
What is certain is that Farid Basharat leaves the UFC undefeated, having won every fight he was given inside the promotion.
His departure serves as a reminder that success inside the cage does not always guarantee a fighter’s future with an organization.
And for a contender who believes he is the best bantamweight in the world, the next opportunity could provide a chance to prove that his ambitions extend far beyond the UFC.
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