Basharat reveals torn MCL and meniscus as he grinds out UFC 329 decision win

Farid Basharat fought through a torn MCL and torn meniscus to claim a unanimous decision victory over John Garza at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday, the undefeated bantamweight revealing the extent of his injuries in a post-bout interview.

Basharat had originally been scheduled to face Ethyn Ewing, but Ewing withdrew due to an undisclosed injury and was replaced by promotional debutant Garza on just six days’ notice. Despite entering the bout as a heavy favourite — listed as high as -700 on some sportsbooks — Basharat found himself in a closely contested fight before the judges awarded him the win.

“Three weeks before the fight, I tore my meniscus and my MCL,” Basharat said. “In the last three weeks, if you go back to some of the fight week footage, I’ve either got a knee brace on, I’m limping, or I’m warming up extensively. Sometimes I need to be protected from my own toughness. I didn’t think for a second to pull out.”

The Afghan-born Brit, who fights out of the UK, improved his professional record to 16-0 with the result, extending his UFC winning streak to seven. His willingness to compete compromised underlines a mentality he acknowledged can occasionally work against him.

On Ewing’s withdrawal, Basharat said he was prepared to give his original opponent the benefit of the doubt, stopping short of any criticism. The focus, for now, remains on the performance — and the fact that he delivered it on one good leg.

Garza, 23, entered on minimal preparation and finished with a record of 6-2. His showing on short notice suggested he has a future in the promotion, even in defeat.