Farid Basharat confirms release, says UFC different from ‘what we all grew up loving’

Undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat has confirmed his release from the UFC, issuing a statement that the organization is heading in a different direction. Despite holding a 16-0 professional record and a 7-0 promotional record, the 29-year-old fighter stated he was never offered a new contract or opponent following his July unanimous decision victory over John Garza at UFC 329.

MMA Mania writer Tim Edwards suggests Basharat's departure highlights the UFC's shifting priority toward viral knockouts over technical wrestling. Edwards notes that Basharat, who earned only one stoppage in the promotion, could potentially transition to the PFL, where his brother previously signed after departing the UFC.