Farid Basharat Gets Clarification From Dana White

Dana White clarified at Saturday’s UFC 333 post-fight press conference that his earlier remarks about UFC contract non-renewals were not directed specifically at Farid Basharat. Basharat, who went 7-0 in the UFC and fought out his contract, later thanked White for the explanation.

White Clarifies His Basharat Comments

White addressed Basharat’s departure at the UFC Edmonton post-fight press conference after being asked about the bantamweight’s release. He said fighters can fail to get new deals for different reasons, including difficulties working with them or turning down fights, and noted that a fighter with Basharat’s record would have a reason for not being re-signed.

Basharat’s manager subsequently denied that the fighter had rejected bouts. At UFC 333, White said his examples of why the UFC might not renew a fighter’s contract were general and were not claims about Basharat.

White also said he had watched a video in which Basharat responded to the earlier remarks. The fighter had objected to comments that he felt could damage his career, White recounted. White said he had not intended to harm Basharat and had no personal or professional issue with him.

Basharat Thanks White

White did not identify the specific reason the UFC chose not to re-sign Basharat. He had said only that there was a reason, while the manager’s statement addressed the suggestion that the fighter had turned down fights.

White said he expected Basharat’s record and other circumstances to give him a chance to sign with another promotion. He added that a return to the UFC was not likely soon, but remained possible in the future.

Basharat responded to White’s clarification by reposting the comments and expressing respect for his former boss. No next fight or new contract for Basharat was announced in the report.