Farid Basharat believes the UFC has cultivated a fan base that values sloppy fights that end in finishes over high-level fighting.

Earlier this week, the MMA world was sent into shock when it was announced that Farid Basharat has been released from the UFC despite his undefeated record and seven-fight win streak.

The 29-year-old became the latest controversial axing from the promotion, just a few weeks removed from the UFC cutting Michael Page from their roster.

Despite Basharat having received a lot of support since his removal, he has taken to social media to give his thoughts on the UFC and how they are potentially ruining the sport.

Which other promotion would you sign with?🤔

The MMA landscape is arguably in the best position its ever been in with there being several big options outside of the UFC.

Basharat believes the UFC are ruining the sport by changing the fans perception of fighting

Basharat’s removal has sparked a lot of debate amongst fans with it clear that just winning in the sport is no longer enough for fighters to maintain their position in the promotion. The 29-year-old was ranked number nine in the META version of the bantamweight rankings, making it feel even more surprising.

Despite that, this past Saturday following UFC Edmonton, Dana White commented on Basharat’s removal for the first time, hinting that something went on behind the scenes that fans aren’t privy to. However, the Afghan native has continued to defend his cause on social media and he is now claiming that the UFC is ruining the sport by making fans blood thirsty, instead of them appreciating high-level fights.

“I think the company, the UFC, is manufacturing a fan base that doesn’t appreciate good quality fighting and they just appreciate these rock em’ type fights where even if it’s a mismatch or low level fight, as long as there is blood or a first round finish, we’re happy. 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 delegitimize the sport and the fans are gonna be left wanting high-level fights.

“When I see the best against the best, for me, that’s what’s entertaining. I don’t wanna see no mismatches or low-level guys going toe-to-toe. 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?” he continued.

The UFC removed Muhammad Mokaev for similar reasons

This isn’t the first time an undefeated fighter has been controversially removed from the roster. Muhammad Mokaev was cut from the UFC back in 2024 despite a seven-fight win streak and being widely regarded as the best flyweight on the planet.

White claimed that the matchmakers didn’t want to re-sign him because of issues behind the scenes, however, it remains to be seen whether that was just another excuse from the promotion for cutting a fighter who didn’t tend to score finishes.