Farid Basharat Gets An Apology As Dana White Walks Back His Comments

Dana White apologizes to Farid Basharat after UFC controversy.© NDTV Photo Library

UFC CEO Dana White has apologised to undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat. White had suggested that fighters who have not been re-signed might have declined to fight or been hard to work with. However, he later clarified that his comments were general and that he was not talking about Basharat specifically. Basharat left the promotion after going 7-0 in the Octagon. His contract expired following a unanimous-decision win over John Garza at UFC 329 in July. The UFC did not offer him a new deal, despite his perfect 16-0 professional record and a place in the bantamweight rankings.

Dana White defends UFC's re-signing decisions

When asked about the decision following UFC Edmonton, Dana White responded, "If you're 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC and don't get re-signed, there's definitely a reason.”

He added that fighters are sometimes not retained because they decline fights or create problems for matchmakers.

Farid Basharat denied ever turning down a fight. He pointed to his 2024 bout against Victor Hugo, whose weight loss left a reported 10-pound difference. He said he had also competed with a torn MCL during his Contender Series appearance.

At the UFC 333 post-fight press conference, White walked back the implication. “When I was talking to the media that night, and I was saying reasons that you could not get re-signed, I wasn't saying that about him,” he said.

“I said, ‘Well, it's happened before.' There are lots of reasons why guys don't get re-signed. I wasn't talking about him specifically.”

White stressed that he had watched Basharat's response video and realised the comments could damage his career. “I didn't mean to do that to that kid,” he said. “In no way, shape or form did I try to do that.”

Basharat accepts the apology but questions UFC's priorities

Dana White said he has no personal or professional issue with Basharat and expects the 29-year-old to find another promotion. However, he insisted that a UFC return is unlikely in the near future.

Farid Basharat thanked White for clearing the air while continuing to question the promotion's decision-making. He argued that the UFC increasingly prioritises violent finishes over technical, high-level fighting.

The apology addresses the accusation that was raised publicly. But not the bigger question of why the UFC let a ranked, undefeated contender leave without a new deal. As far as Basharat is concerned, he should focus on finding his next opportunity outside the promotion.