Farid Basharat will have plenty of backing as he seeks a new home in mixed martial arts.

The undefeated bantamweight contender was the latest surprise removal from the UFC roster, having not had his contract renewed after his final fight at UFC 329 in July.

Despite winning all seven of his fights inside the Octagon and occupying a spot inside the top 10 of the rankings at 135 pounds, the 16-0 Basharat was not re-signed by the UFC.

The decision shocked many fans, and it seems that figures inside the promotion itself are equally as bemused by the call.

How can the UFC justify releasing 16-0 bantamweight Farid Basharat?

Jon Anik, Belal Muhammad and more send Farid Basharat support after the UFC did not re-sign him

Six of Basharat’s seven UFC wins came on the scorecards, with his one finish being an arm-triangle choke submission against Kleydson Rodrigues in September 2023.

The decision to let ‘Ferocious’ go has been seen as further evidence that the UFC is no longer the home of the best athletes in the sport.

Judging by the reaction to Basharat’s first statement on his UFC exit this week, plenty of fighters share the 29-year-old’s frustrations.

UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik joined a number of current stars on the roster in showing support to Basharat in the comments section of his Instagram post.

“🙏🏼♥️,” Anik wrote.

“Allah is the best of all planners. 7-0 undefeated in the highest league in the world – we all know your level my brother,” UFC lightweight Nasrat Haqparast commented.

“I couldn’t have put it in better words ❤️❤️ you are the champ in our eyes,” UFC flyweight contender Amir Albazi said.

“💪🏼💪🏼,” UFC middleweight Ikram Aliskerov wrote.

“Undefeated ☝🏻,” former UFC title challenger Marvin Vettori commented.

Former welterweight champion Belal Muhammad also responded by commenting a love heart.

Basharat beat some notable names during his UFC stint, including Taylor Lapilus, Chris Gutierrez, and Jean Matsumoto.

The Afghan-born British bantamweight will now look to add scalps away from the Octagon to his record.