Undefeated Farid Basharat slams UFC after shock release despite perfect 7-0 octagon record

Farid Basharat has broken his silence over his UFC departure, accusing the promotion of losing its identity after being cut despite a flawless 7-0 record inside the octagon and a top-10 bantamweight ranking.

The 16-0 fighter confirmed the news in a social media statement on Thursday, a day after MMA Fighting first reported his removal from the roster. Basharat made clear he believes the decision had nothing to do with his performances.

“I always turned up and fought regardless of injuries and weight deficits,” Basharat wrote. “And I always asked for the toughest opponent to get me closer to the title. But my departure clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities. Unfortunately the organization just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving.”

Basharat leaves the UFC holding the longest active win streak in the bantamweight division and the fourth longest across the entire promotion. He did not shy away from self-assessment in his statement.

“I’ve had an incredibly successful time in the organization,” he wrote. “I’m proud and happy with what I’ve accomplished inside the octagon. I leave with a stainless record. I feel I’m the best bantamweight in the world.”

His brother Javid Basharat was also released by the UFC, with both fighters having been cut despite coming off victories in 2026. The timing of the departures has drawn scrutiny, given that neither brother had suffered a loss heading into their respective contract renewals.

Farid Basharat has not yet announced his next move, but closed his statement with a promise that “the best is yet to come” — a signal that he intends to continue competing at the highest level, likely with a rival promotion.