Dana White shrugs off UFC not re-signing 7-0 Farid Basharat: 'There’s definitely a reason'

UFC CEO Dana White addressed his promotion’s decision not to re-sign undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat following Saturday night's UFC Edmonton event.

Basharat (16-0) went 7-0 during his UFC tenure but was controversially not offered a new contract this week after completing his previous deal with the promotion.

Asked about the decision at Saturday's post-fight press conference, White said there are several reasons why the UFC might choose not to re-sign a fighter and alluded to potential issues behind the scenes with the promotion’s matchmakers.

“I mean, this isn’t the first time this has happened,” White said. “And either guys aren’t good to deal with and the matchmakers don’t want to deal with them, which could be turning down fights or whatever the reasoning is.”

“If you’re 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC, and don’t get re-signed,” he continued, “there’s definitely a reason.”

White declined to further elaborate on why the UFC opted not to offer Basharat a new contract. He also declined to confirm whether any of the circumstances he mentioned applied to Basharat specifically.

Basharat, 29, said this week that he was never offered another contract or opponent after his final UFC win, and denied turning down any fights during his time with the promotion.

The Afghan-born bantamweight earned his way to the UFC through the promotion’s Contender Series in 2022, and made his official promotional debut in 2023. Six of his seven Octagon victories came in decisions. He did not win a single post-fight bonus during his four years with the company.

Basharat's final UFC appearance ultimately came in a July decision win over John Garza.