UFC releases undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat after perfect 7-0 run

Key points

• Farid Basharat, 29, was removed from the UFC roster after his contract expired following a unanimous decision victory over John Garza at UFC 329 in July 2026.
• Basharat went 7-0 in the UFC, with notable wins over Chris Gutierrez, Jean Matsumoto, and Taylor Lapilus, though only one victory came via stoppage.
• The release follows a similar move by the UFC regarding his older brother, Javid Basharat, who was cut earlier in 2026 and subsequently signed with the PFL.
• The decision comes immediately after the conclusion of the fall season of Dana White’s Contender Series, which awarded 46 new UFC contracts this year.
• Basharat is now a free agent, with the PFL cited as a potential destination given his brother’s recent move to that promotion.

Background

This release is part of a broader trend of roster turnover in the UFC, which recently cut nine fighters in September to make room for new talent from Contender Series. In October, the UFC also released lightweight Ismael Bonfim after a weight miss and knockout loss. Earlier this year, the promotion released Michael Page despite his winning record. The Basharat brothers’ departures highlight a pattern of the UFC letting go of fighters with positive records, particularly those who do not fit the promotion’s current financial or stylistic priorities.

How outlets are covering it

MMA Fighting reported the release as a straightforward contract expiration, noting Basharat was not offered a new deal. MMA Mania framed the move as an 'abrupt' and questionable decision, criticizing the UFC for cutting a young, top-10 ranked fighter despite his undefeated status. Sports Illustrated emphasized the 'shock' of the release, highlighting the contrast between Basharat’s perfect record and the UFC’s decision to let him go. Sherdog reported the news neutrally, focusing on the fact that the UFC declined to renew the contract of another undefeated fighter. All sources agree on the core facts but differ in tone, with MMA Mania being the most critical of the UFC’s decision.

Why it matters

The release of a top-10 ranked, undefeated fighter raises questions about the UFC’s roster management and its willingness to retain talent that does not fit its current financial or stylistic model. It also highlights the growing role of Contender Series as a pipeline for new fighters, potentially at the expense of established but less 'exciting' veterans. For Basharat, the move opens up opportunities with other promotions, particularly the PFL, where his brother has already signed.

What to watch

Basharat is now a free agent and may sign with the PFL, Bellator, or another promotion. The UFC could potentially re-sign him in the future, but for now, he is out of the organization. The UFC will continue to use Contender Series to fill its roster, potentially leading to more releases of established fighters in the coming months.