Winning isn’t enough? UFC’s priorities come into question as Farid Basharat’s exit sparks debate

Fans say the UFC’s latest roster removal is proof that entertainment trumps all.

The leading promotion in MMA has caused a stir with a number of shock releases and contractual decisions in recent times.

In September, the UFC did not re-sign Michael ‘Venom’ Page despite his 5-1 record inside the Octagon. A victory in Paris was not enough to secure another deal, and he is far from being the only star let go after having their hand raised.

Bantamweight Daniel Marcos was removed from the UFC roster this year despite an 18-1 record, and one man who hasn’t even lost his professional ‘0’ recently joined his divisional peer away from the Octagon.

If there was any doubt left about the UFC not being a meritocracy, it has firmly been eliminated in 2026.

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

Farid Basharat’s departure proves the UFC cares only about entertainment

Dana White’s promotion continued its habit of not rewarding winning streaks that aren’t filled with finishes by opting against offering Farid Basharat a new deal.

The 29-year-old occupied a spot inside the top 10 of the Meta UFC bantamweight rankings, having won all seven of his bouts inside the Octagon.

That record and high position on the 135-pound ladder did not help Basharat secure an extended stay on the sport’s biggest stage, and he is now seeking a new home.

There has been plenty of backlash following confirmation of his departure, three months after ‘Ferocious’ beat John Garza on the undercard of Conor McGregor’s return at UFC 329.

Jon Anik showed support for Basharat alongside a number of fighters in the comment section of the undefeated fighter’s first statement since being let go.

In his post, the Afghan-born Briton insisted the UFC is not what it once was and suggested the focus is no longer on having the best fighters competing.

Bloody Elbow fans on TalkingPoints seem to agree…

Muhammad Mokaev has been competing away from the UFC since his surprise exit in 2024, which came despite his top-five ranking at flyweight.

Over 100 fans also gave their takes on the Bloody Elbow Facebook page, where the consensus was that being the best absolutely is not what the UFC demands from its roster.

“If you’re not an exciting fighter with a personality, you will get cut.”

“UFC is not about holding a leg till ya get a decision, that’s for sure. Even DJ (Demetrious Johnson) said it himself, it’s still an entertainment business.”

“It’s called the Ultimate Fighting Championship, not the Best in the World Fighting Championship.”

“It’s all about money and not real sports.”

“It’s been like that for over 10 years, seemingly getting more obvious with time.”

“Can’t talk and only win decisions? You are in trouble.”

One fan referenced Demetrious Johnson’s remarks on the debate. The legendary former UFC flyweight champion questioned how UFC 333 featherweight title challenger Movsar Evloev has maintained his spot on the roster.

The Russian required a 10-fight winning streak to finally secure his shot at Alexander Volkanovski, having failed to record a single finish in the promotion.

Given the precedent that the UFC has been setting, ‘Mighty Mouse’ is confused at Evloev’s survival.

While many fans pointed out that the UFC’s focus on entertainment is not a new phenomenon, the higher-ups have appeared to be more ruthless when it comes to letting fighters on winning streaks go in recent years.

The reason for that might be the influx of new signings that the UFC makes during a 10-week window every year.

UFC’s talent pipeline means even winning fighters can become expendable

Since 2017, the UFC has been adding to the roster via Dana White’s Contender Series.

The talent-finding show matches up prospects from the regional scene, all of whom compete in front of the UFC boss before finding out whether he will be offering them a contract at the end of each episode.

Those who impress and secure deals mostly receive entry-level pay, in the region of $10k-$12k show/win contracts.

The number of fighters receiving contracts has continued to rise almost every year, with the recent tenth season matching the record of 46.

Plenty of fans and analysts believe that number is so high because the UFC wants to fill the roster with cheaper fighters, especially if they are more willing to throw down inside the cage.

With so many new fighters, who gets sacrificed? Those who do not entertain enough, no matter how much they have won.

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