UFC Releases Undefeated Top-10 Bantamweight Farid Basharat

Top-10 ranked UFC bantamweight Farid Basharat has been released by the promotion after fighting out his contract, cutting loose an undefeated fighter who was riding a seven-fight win streak inside the Octagon.

Basharat, known as "Ferocious," never lost as a professional and went 7-0 in the UFC, a run that included victories over established names like Chris Gutierrez, Jean Matsumoto and Taylor Lapilus. At 29 years old and ranked in the top 10 at 135 pounds, he was still viewed as a fighter on the rise when his deal expired and the promotion chose not to re-sign him.

The timing stings for Basharat's camp. His brother, Javid Basharat, was released by the UFC roughly a year earlier despite also carrying a winning record, and now neither Basharat brother remains on the roster.

Why Would the UFC Cut an Undefeated Top-10 Fighter?

The UFC's decision to release Farid Basharat despite his unbeaten record comes down to a numbers game the promotion plays at the end of every contract cycle, and finishing rate appears to be the sticking point. Just one of his seven UFC wins came by stoppage, with the rest going to the judges. Matchmakers and the front office have shown a pattern of prioritizing finishers and highlight-reel potential over durable, technical grinders, even when those grinders are winning consistently against ranked competition. Basharat built his résumé on a high work rate and smooth transitions between striking and wrestling, the kind of style that produces close, competitive fights rather than quick knockouts, and that appears to have worked against him in contract talks.

The move also lands just after the fall season of Dana White's Contender Series wrapped, a stretch when the UFC typically clears roster spots to make room for new prospects it wants to fast-track.

What This Means for the Bantamweight Division and Basharat's Market Value

Basharat's release immediately reshuffles the outside picture at bantamweight, since a fighter the UFC's own rankings placed among the ten best in the division is now a free agent. For bettors and matchmakers at other promotions, an unbeaten fighter with wins over Gutierrez, Matsumoto and Lapilus carries real value even without highlight finishes, because his style mirrors the kind of durable, high-output grinder who tends to be live on the betting line against flashier strikers. Whichever organization signs him will likely install him as a solid favorite in his debut given the level of competition he's already beaten, though his lack of finishing ability may keep his odds shorter than his record alone would suggest against lower-tier opposition.

No landing spot has been announced, and the UFC has not publicly explained the release.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did the UFC release Farid Basharat?

Farid Basharat was released after fighting out his UFC contract, with the promotion opting not to re-sign him despite his unbeaten record and top-10 bantamweight ranking.

What was Farid Basharat's UFC record?

Farid Basharat went 7-0 inside the UFC, remaining undefeated as a professional, with wins over Chris Gutierrez, Jean Matsumoto and Taylor Lapilus.

Is Farid Basharat related to another UFC fighter?

Yes, Farid Basharat is the brother of Javid Basharat, who was also released by the UFC despite having a winning record roughly a year earlier.