Undefeated Afghan UFC Fighter Farid Basharat Criticises Organisation After Departure
Afghan mixed martial arts fighter Farid Basharat has criticised the direction of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) after confirming that he is no longer with the organisation, despite maintaining an undefeated record in the promotion.
In a statement posted on his official X account on 15 October, Basharat said he was proud of his achievements in the UFC and stressed that his departure was not related to his fighting ability.
“I always turned up and fought regardless of injuries and weight deficits,” Basharat wrote, adding that he had consistently sought challenging opponents to move closer to a title opportunity.
“Unfortunately, the organisation just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving,” he said.
Basharat also clarified that he had not received a new contract or an opponent since his last fight, despite waiting for an offer. He rejected any suggestion that he had turned down fights during his time with the organisation.
The 29-year-old fighter leaves the UFC with seven consecutive victories in the promotion and an undefeated professional record of 16 wins and no losses. His most recent fight was a unanimous decision victory over John Garza in July 2026.
Basharat earned his UFC contract through Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 and later became a ranked bantamweight contender.
Despite his disappointment, Basharat thanked UFC staff and supporters for their backing throughout his career and expressed confidence about his future in mixed martial arts.
“I’m still young, the best is yet to come InshaAllah,” he wrote.
The UFC has not yet publicly explained why it didn’t offer Basharat a new contract. The fighter has not yet announced which organisation he may join next.
