Dana White clarifies UFC release remarks were not aimed at unbeaten Farid Basharat

UFC CEO Dana White publicly clarified at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference that comments he made following UFC Edmonton on 17 October were not directed at Farid Basharat, the unbeaten bantamweight whose contract was not renewed by the promotion.

Basharat had pushed back on social media against what he characterised as suggestions that he had turned down fights or been difficult to work with. White said he had been speaking in general terms about why the UFC sometimes declines to retain fighters, not singling out the Canadian prospect.

“When I was talking about why some guys get released, or their contracts don’t get renewed, I was just saying in general. I wasn’t pointing him out, specifically,” White said.

White added that he had come across Basharat’s Instagram response and felt remorse over the unintended implication. “I saw his video on my Instagram and I was like, ‘Oh I didn’t mean to do that to that kid,’” he said. “In no way, shape, or form did I try to do that. I have no problems with him whatsoever, personally or professionally.”

White’s original remarks after UFC Edmonton had implied that factors beyond a fighter’s win-loss record could influence contract decisions — comments that Basharat and his camp interpreted as a veiled criticism of his conduct or availability.

Despite the clarification, White indicated that a return to the UFC for Basharat is not on the immediate horizon, while leaving the door open for a future reunion. “I’m sure with his record and what he’s got going on, he’ll get resigned somewhere,” White said, suggesting confidence that Basharat will attract interest from other promotions given his unblemished professional record.