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Dana White Addresses Basharat Release: “There’s Definitely a Reason”

Edmonton — A bit of an uproar followed the news earlier this month that undefeated 16-0 bantamweight Farid Basharat had not been re-signed to the UFC after picking up seven wins in the company. Basharat went as far as to…

By Jay Anderson · Cageside Press

Published: Sunday, 18 October 2026 at 5:43 AM

Key Things to Know

Dana White stated there is 'definitely a reason' undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat was not re-signed by the UFC.
White suggested contract issues or fighters turning down bouts typically influence decisions when successful fighters are released.
Farid Basharat had previously questioned the promotion's direction after exiting despite a 16-0 professional record.

The Story in 60 Seconds

UFC CEO Dana White addressed the promotion's decision not to re-sign undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat during the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference. Despite Basharat holding a 16-0 record with seven UFC victories, White indicated that undisclosed issues behind the scenes, such as fighter conduct or turning down matchups, played a decisive role in the departure.

White also praised standout Canadian performers from the Edmonton card, highlighting Mike Malott's knockout victory over Joaquin Buckley and Jasmine Jasudavicius's win against Erin Blanchfield. He noted that Jasudavicius bolstered her title contention ahead of the UFC's upcoming return to Toronto in January.

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Dana White Addresses Basharat Release: “There’s Definitely a Reason”

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