Dana White Walks Back Comments That Damaged Farid Basharat's Reputation
White says his remarks about fighters losing their contracts were never aimed at the unbeaten bantamweight.
Dana White did something rare at the UFC 333 post-fight press conference on Saturday: he walked back his own words.
The UFC CEO addressed the situation with Farid Basharat, an unbeaten bantamweight whose contract was not renewed by the promotion. After UFC Edmonton on October 17, White made general comments about why fighters lose their spots on the roster, suggesting that decisions sometimes involve factors beyond what happens inside the cage. Basharat took it personally and responded publicly, pushing back on any implication that he had declined fights or been difficult to work with.
"When I was talking about why some guys get released, or their contracts don't get renewed, I was just saying in general," White told reporters, per Sherdog. "I wasn't pointing him out, specifically."
White said he saw Basharat's Instagram video and felt remorse. "Oh, I didn't mean to do that to that kid," he said. "In no way, shape, or form did I try to do that. I have no problems with him whatsoever, personally or professionally."
White expressed confidence that Basharat would land on his feet. "With his record and what he's got going on, he'll get resigned somewhere," he said. The UFC boss left open the possibility of a return but indicated nothing was imminent.
Basharat remains unbeaten in his professional MMA career. The specific reason his contract was not renewed has not been disclosed by the UFC.
Credit where it's due: Dana doesn't do this often. The guy almost never admits he was wrong or even careless, so the fact that he saw Basharat's video and said "I didn't mean to do that to that kid" actually means something.
But here's the problem. The damage is already done. When the UFC president makes vague comments about why fighters get cut, and an unbeaten guy just lost his contract, everybody connects the dots. Basharat had to go on social media and defend himself against implications he never should have had to deal with.
I think Basharat ends up fine. He's undefeated, he's young, and there are plenty of promotions that would love to sign him. But the UFC should have handled this better from the start. Don't make general statements that torpedo a specific fighter's reputation and then act surprised when he fires back.
