Dana White’s Viral Reaction to 16-0 Farid Basharat Getting Fired From UFC

Dana White gave a cryptic response when asked about his decision to release a 16-0 MMA fighter from the UFC roster.

A welterweight clash between Mike Malott and Joaquin Buckley topped UFC Edmonton on Saturday, with Canada’s Malott securing a second-round finish on home soil.

Buckley drummed up plenty of interest after he snubbed White’s handshake at the ceremonial weigh-ins before giving a bizarre pre-fight interview.

In his post-fight press conference, White was asked about Buckley’s behaviour. He also addressed the departure of Farid Basharat, who was surprisingly let go by the promotion.

Farid Basharat Accuses UFC of ‘Manufacturing Fanbase’ After Release

Dustin Safranek via Imagn Images

Basharat boasts an overall MMA record of 16-0 and won seven fights inside the famed Octagon after earning a UFC contract on Dana White’s Contender Series. He beat the likes of Taylor Lapilus and Chris Gutierrez during his spell.

But the 29-year-old was released from the UFC, with his exit made official earlier this week.

It came as a major shock, given the bantamweight fighter went 7-0 in the UFC and is an unbeaten talent.

Basharat, who hasn’t fought since his unanimous decision victory over John Garza in July, has since shared his views on his departure as he accused the UFC of cultivating a fanbase that values ‘blood’ and ‘first-round finishes’ over high-level competition.

“I think the company, the UFC, is manufacturing a fan base that doesn’t appreciate good-quality fighting. Even if it’s a mismatch, even if it’s a low-level fight, as long as there’s blood, as long as it’s a first-round finish, we’re happy,” he explained via Red Corner MMA.

“And in my opinion, you just can’t build a sport off that because you might do well for a couple of years ratings-wise, but sooner or later it’s going to delegitimise the sport, and the fans are going to be left wanting high-quality fights.

“When I see the best against the best, for me, that’s what’s entertaining. But the UFC is guaranteed $7.7 billion over the next seven years, so they’re clearly great at what they’re doing. So what do I know?”

Dana White Hints at Issues in Farid Basharat’s UFC Release

Action Images via Reuters/Andrew Boyers

A reporter quizzed White on the reasoning behind Basharat’s UFC departure, to which he replied with a vague response and appeared to shed light on potential behind-the-scenes issues.

“Yeah, I think that when guys’ contracts are up, I mean, this isn’t the first time this has happened,” he began.

White added: “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.