Farid Basharat's UFC Release Draws Joe Rogan's Criticism

Joe Rogan criticized the UFC on a recent podcast for releasing undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat, saying fighters should not be cut simply because the promotion considers their style unappealing.

Basharat, 29, was released last week despite holding a 16-0 record. Rogan recalled speaking with him in the Octagon after his last fight and telling him he expected the UFC to offer another contract.

Rogan's objection to the Basharat release

Rogan said Basharat is skilled and questioned the idea that a fighter must be “uber exciting” to keep a place on the UFC roster. He acknowledged that he had not spoken with Dana White, Hunter Campbell or Sean Shelby about the decision and did not know what happened behind the scenes.

Still, Rogan said he disliked releasing a fighter who wanted to continue competing in the UFC because of a judgment about his style. He argued that the promotion could match Basharat with an opponent who would push him into a more engaging fight, rather than expecting him to abandon the approach that has helped him win.

Basharat said in his first statement after being released that the promotion had changed and no longer valued high-level fights. The source report also notes a widespread view that the UFC let him go because he was seen as insufficiently entertaining and often won by decision. That explanation has not been confirmed by Rogan.

Dana White's account and Rogan's comparison

White has suggested there were behind-the-scenes issues involving Basharat’s willingness to work with matchmakers on certain bouts. White cited similar issues when discussing the UFC’s earlier release of Muhammad Mokaev.

Rogan challenged the broader idea of judging a fighter’s place in the promotion by whether his style produces an entertaining fight. He pointed to Khamzat Chimaev’s title win over Dricus Du Plessis as an example of a fight that many people considered boring, asking whether that performance should have cost Chimaev his UFC contract.

He said winning is the central aim of competition and that fighters should not be expected to disregard their skills or put themselves at risk simply to entertain. Rogan’s comments were criticism of the release, not an account of the UFC’s internal decision-making.

The report gives no scheduled next fight for Basharat and confirms no further action by the UFC.