UFC Removed Undefeated Fighter Farid Basharat
The promotion elected not to renew the contract of the undefeated bantamweight.
Updated on Oct. 14, 2026 in Mixed Martial Arts
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The UFC has removed Farid Basharat from its active fighter roster after declining to offer him a new contract. Basharat departs the promotion while maintaining an undefeated professional record of 16-0.
Why it matters
The decision is notable as Basharat held a 7-0 record inside the UFC and was ranked as the No. 13 bantamweight. His exit marks a shift for a fighter who previously went undefeated through his tenure under the promotion.
Farid Basharat concludes his tenure with a 16-0 professional MMA record, including a 7-0 mark within the UFC. He was ranked as the No. 13 bantamweight in the promotion, with six of his wins recorded by decision.
The players
Farid Basharat
He is a professional mixed martial artist who previously held an undefeated record and a top-15 ranking in the UFC bantamweight division.
Dana White's Contender Series
This is a recurring mixed martial arts promotion series designed to identify talent for the UFC through exclusive competition.
UFC
The Ultimate Fighting Championship is a premier global mixed martial arts promotion that organizes professional events worldwide.
The details
The UFC opted to remove Basharat from its roster following the expiration of his contract. Having earned his initial opportunity through Dana White's Contender Series, the fighter is now considered a free agent.
Timeline
In 2022, Basharat earned his initial UFC contract through the Contender Series.
In July 2026, Basharat defeated John Garza at UFC 329.
In October 2026, the UFC removed Basharat from its roster.
The PFL-MVP MMA merger is scheduled for 2027.
Season Trajectory
Basharat's exit from the UFC roster alters the competitive balance of the bantamweight division and signals a high-profile shift in the free agent market. This move occurs as rival promotions prepare for the PFL-MVP MMA merger scheduled for 2027.
Basharat is now a free agent, which potentially shifts the talent pool for other major promotions looking to bolster their bantamweight ranks. His departure removes an undefeated fighter from the UFC's official rankings.
The takeaway
The sudden release of an undefeated, ranked fighter serves as a reminder of the volatility inherent in professional combat sports contracts. Fans should watch for which promotion secures Basharat's services next as he enters the open market.
Further reading
For more on the current state of professional combat sports, visit the Mixed Martial Arts section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Heavy.
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