Photo via Yahoo Sports

Farid Basharat Suggests UFC is Cultivating a Sloppy Product

Former UFC bantamweight contender Farid Basharat, who compiled a flawless 16-0 MMA record and went 7-0 in the organization, has criticized the UFC for allegedly prioritizing low-effort, high-bloodshed matchups over competitive bouts featuring elite talent. Despite his top-15 ranking in his division and a UFC contract, Basharat was released without a renewal, a decision he attributes to the promotion’s shift toward booking less skilled fighters—even if those fights feature finishes or early stoppages.

His theory suggests the UFC is manufacturing a fan base that values spectacle over skill, a strategy he warns could undermine the sport’s long-term legitimacy by failing to deliver the high-level competition that defines its appeal. With no UFC deal in place, Basharat—whose brother Javid fights for PFL/MVP MMA—could soon find a new home in rival promotions like UAE Warriors or Europe’s Oktagon MMA, where his undefeated record remains a standout asset.

Up nextMMA· 2h ago

Mandel Nallo says patience learned from debut loss paid off at UFC Edmonton