Unbeaten Basharat thanks White after UFC boss clarifies exit remarks that threatened his reputation

Farid Basharat has accepted Dana White’s clarification over comments about his UFC departure, posting a brief but pointed message of appreciation on X after the promotion’s CEO distanced himself from remarks that had threatened to damage the unbeaten bantamweight’s standing in the sport.

Basharat, who left the UFC with a perfect 16-0 record after his contract expired without renewal, had pushed back strongly when White initially suggested the fighter’s exit may have involved difficulties with UFC matchmakers. Basharat denied ever turning down a fight and warned publicly that the implication could harm his professional reputation.

White subsequently clarified that his original comments were not directed at Basharat specifically, explaining he had been speaking in general terms about the various reasons fighters might leave the promotion. The UFC CEO stated he had no personal or professional grievances with Basharat and had not intended to cause him any harm.

White also expressed confidence that Basharat would find a new home given his unblemished record, and left open the door to a potential UFC return — though he made clear that any reunion was not on the immediate horizon.

Basharat acknowledged the clarification with a short post on X: “Respect to Dana.”

The episode highlights the precarious position fighters can find themselves in when departing a major promotion, even with an unbeaten record. An offhand remark from a promotion’s leadership can carry significant weight in a sport where reputation and perceived coachability directly influence which organisations are willing to sign a fighter and on what terms.

With his 16-0 record intact and the public dispute now resolved, Basharat is expected to attract interest from rival promotions as he looks to continue his career outside the UFC.