Farid Basharat criticizes UFC after contract is not renewed

Unbeaten bantamweight Farid Basharat confirmed his departure from the UFC and criticized its treatment of fighters in a statement published by MMA Fighting on October 15.

Basharat said the split was unrelated to his results. He said he had agreed to fight while carrying injuries and requested strong opponents, but believed the UFC's approach to its athletes had changed.

The 29-year-old completed his contract with a unanimous-decision victory over John Garza in July. The organization did not offer him a new agreement. His professional record stands at sixteen wins without a defeat.

Basharat said he was proud of his bantamweight performances and intended to continue his career. His older brother, Javid, also previously left the UFC and subsequently joined the PFL.