Speaking during UFC 333 postfight press conference, White addressed the unbeaten bantamweight’s response to comments he made after UFC Edmonton on Oct. 17.
Dana White clarifies UFC contract remarks after Farid Basharat's response
Basharat disputed suggestions that he had turned down fights or been difficult to work with. White said he had been discussing contract decisions generally.
“When I was talking about why some guys get released, or their contracts don't get renewed, I was just saying in general. I wasn't pointing him out, specifically,” White said.
White’s earlier remarks had suggested that decisions not to retain fighters could involve factors beyond their results inside the Octagon.
He said he had seen Basharat’s response on Instagram and had not intended to damage his reputation.
“I saw actually saw his video on uh on on on my Instagram and I was like, ‘Oh I didn't mean to do that to that kid.’,” he said. “In no way, shape, or form did I try to do that. I have I have no problems with him whatsoever, uh, personally or professionally. And, uh, you know, I'm I'm sure with with his record and what he's got going on, he'll get resigned somewhere.”
White also left open the possibility of Basharat returning to the UFC, though he indicated that a reunion was not imminent.