Credit: Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC

Former UFC bantamweight Farid Basharat issued a lengthy message on his stunning release despite an unbeaten run in the Octagon.

Despite a 7-0 run in the UFC, bantamweight Farid Basharat was one of several eye-opening releases by the promotion this month. Basharat, who hadn’t fought since a win over John Garza at UFC 329, was hoping for a new deal after moving to 16-0 in his career.

After Basharat’s surprising release, many analysts and fellow fighters criticized the UFC’s decision. The promotion has been questioned for its lack of a meritocracy in its rankings.

Basharat took things a step further in his first statement after his controversial cut.

Farid Basharat says UFC ‘isn’t what it used to be’ in first comments post-release

In a recent Instagram post, Basharat issued a fiery statement on his UFC release.

“The news is confirmed: I am no longer with the UFC. I’ve had an incredibly successful time in the organisation. I’m proud and happy with what I’ve accomplished inside the Octagon. I leave with a stainless record. Holding the longest active win streak in my weight division and the fourth longest in the entire UFC. I feel I’m the best bantamweight in the world,” Basharat said.

“I always turned up and fought regardless of injuries and weight deficits. And I always asked for the toughest opponent to get me closer to the title. But my departure clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities. Unfortunately, the organisation just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving. I want to clarify that since my last fight, I was never offered a contract or an opponent…

“I waited, but it never came,” Basharat continued. “I’ve certainly never declined a fight during my whole tenure.”

What organization should sign Farid Basharat? Share your thoughts in the comments!

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