Dana White Explains Why UFC Cut Unbeaten Farid Basharat

Dana White says there was more to the UFC's decision not to re-sign undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat than fans realize. Speaking at the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference, the UFC CEO and president defended the promotion's call to let the 16-0 prospect walk after he went 7-0 inside the Octagon.

"If you're 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC, and don't get re-signed, there's definitely a reason," White said. He added that contract disputes often come down to matchmaking friction rather than performance, noting, "either guys aren't good to deal with and the matchmakers don't want to deal with them, which could be turning down fights or whatever the reasoning is."

Why Didn't the UFC Re-Sign Farid Basharat?

Farid Basharat's release became a story earlier this month when the promotion did not offer the unbeaten bantamweight a new deal despite a perfect record through seven UFC fights. Basharat pushed back publicly, releasing a statement suggesting the organization "was not what it once was," a line widely read as a jab at matchmaking and a hint that his lack of finishes may have factored into the decision. White did not confirm that theory directly, but his comments made clear the UFC views the situation as a behind-the-scenes contract or matchmaking issue rather than a simple talent evaluation.

For a fighter with a spotless record, going unsigned is rare enough that it raises real questions about leverage, pay negotiations, and how the UFC values decision-heavy win streaks versus finishes. White's framing puts the blame back on process rather than on Basharat's output, but he stopped short of detailing what actually went wrong.

What Basharat's Free Agency Means for Bettors and Promoters

An undefeated, UFC-tested bantamweight hitting the open market is a notable asset for rival promotions, and his next landing spot will shape how oddsmakers price him going forward. A fighter who went 7-0 inside the UFC cage carries built-in credibility even without highlight-reel finishes, and whichever organization signs him will likely install him as a favorite in his debut given that resume. For bettors, the real intrigue is whether a new promotion markets him as a featured attraction or eases him in, since that positioning will drive his opening odds more than his actual skill level.

Edmonton Fallout: Malott, Jasudavicius and Nallo

Dana White was far more enthusiastic about Saturday's Canadian winners, starting with Mike Malott's knockout of Joaquin Buckley in the UFC Edmonton main event. "For Mike to be the main event here, in a big fight in his home country, that's the way you want to get it done. You couldn't do it any better than that," White said of the finish, which came via a knee strike.

Jasmine Jasudavicius also impressed in the co-main event with a win over Erin Blanchfield, a result that carries extra weight with the UFC already set to return to Toronto in January. White acknowledged the win helps her case for a flyweight title shot against champion Natalia Silva, with whom Jasudavicius has history. "It definitely doesn't hurt. For both of these guys tonight, as the co-main and main, in their home country, to win the way that they won, it's definitely a good thing for both of them," White said.

Mandel Nallo rounded out the night's standout performances with a dominant win over Nate Landwehr. "He absolutely put on a clinic," White said. "It was incredible."

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the UFC not re-sign Farid Basharat?

Dana White said there was 'definitely a reason' the UFC let the undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat walk despite a 7-0 UFC record, suggesting it involved contract or matchmaking issues rather than his performance.

What was Farid Basharat's record in the UFC?

Farid Basharat went 7-0 during his UFC tenure and was 16-0 overall as a professional when the promotion opted not to re-sign him.

Does Jasmine Jasudavicius' win over Erin Blanchfield put her in title contention?

Dana White said Jasmine Jasudavicius' win over Erin Blanchfield at UFC Edmonton 'doesn't hurt' her chances at a flyweight title shot against champion Natalia Silva, with the UFC's Toronto event already set for January.