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Unbeaten Farid Basharat released by the UFC after going 7-0 in the Octagon

The 16-0 bantamweight is free to sign anywhere. His brother Javid was also let go after a win and is now with the PFL.

By Combat Sports UK Staff · Published · AI-assisted reporting
Farid Basharat in the Octagon
Photo: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images

Farid Basharat is a free agent after the UFC chose not to offer him a new contract, ending a 7-0 run in the Octagon.

The 29-year-old bantamweight beat John Garza at UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas on 12 July, taking his professional record to 16-0. That fight completed his contract, and he was not offered a new one, MMA Fighting reported. He can now sign with any promotion, although the UFC could re-sign him in future.

Basharat, from Paktia in Afghanistan, trains at American Top Team. In his UFC profile, he says he wants to inspire "all my supporters in Afghanistan and the UK". He earned his contract on Dana White's Contender Series in 2022 and made his Octagon debut in March 2023. Seven of his 16 wins have come inside the distance: six by submission, five of them rear-naked chokes, and one by knockout. His UFC wins include Jean Matsumoto, Chris Gutierrez and Taylor Lapilus.

His older brother Javid Basharat was also let go by the UFC after a win, and has since joined the PFL.

His full record is on Farid Basharat's fighter page.

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