Farid Basharat UFC exit: Dana White says comments were not aimed at fighter

The UFC president also said at the UFC 333 press conference that Movsar Evloev, unbeaten in 10 fights in the promotion, need not worry about his job before Saturday's featherweight title fight with Alexander Volkanovski.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published Thu 22 Oct, 15:07 UK · AI-assisted reporting

Dana White has said his remarks about why fighters lose their place in the UFC were not directed at Farid Basharat, whose contract was not renewed last week.

Basharat was removed from the roster despite going 7-0 in the promotion and holding a place in the bantamweight rankings. When asked about it a few days later, White pointed to issues outside the cage, saying “there’s definitely a reason” when something like that happens. Basharat responded by denying that he had turned down fights or been difficult to work with.

At the UFC 333 press conference on Thursday, the UFC president said: “When I was talking about why some guys get released, or their contracts don’t get renewed, I was just saying in general. I wasn’t pointing him out, specifically.” Basharat and some fans believe the real reason he was not re-signed is a growing focus on action fighters. Six of his seven UFC wins came by decision, which led some to question whether Evloev could be in a similar position. Evloev has won all 10 of his UFC fights by decision and meets Volkanovski for the featherweight title on Saturday.

Asked whether Evloev should be concerned for his job, White said he could not promise anything, but added: “But he’s in a pretty good spot right now. He’s still here, and he’s fighting this weekend. He’s fighting for the title. I don’t think you need to worry about him at all.”

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Farid Basharat Movsar Evloev Alexander Volkanovski