Ultimate Fighting Championship CEO Dana White said his earlier
remarks about fighters leaving the promotion were not directed
specifically at Farid
Basharat, whose contract was not renewed.
Speaking during
UFC 333 postfight press conference, White addressed the
unbeaten bantamweight’s response to comments he made after UFC
Edmonton on Oct. 17.
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Dana White clarifies UFC contract remarks after Farid
Basharat’s response
Basharat disputed suggestions that he had turned down fights or
been difficult to work with. White said he had been discussing
contract decisions generally.
“When I was talking about why some guys get released, or their
contracts don’t get renewed, I was just saying in general. I wasn’t
pointing him out, specifically,” White said.
White’s earlier remarks had suggested that decisions not to retain
fighters could involve factors beyond their results inside the
Octagon.
He said he had seen Basharat’s response on Instagram and had not
intended to damage his reputation.
“I saw actually saw his video on uh on on on my Instagram and I was
like, ‘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 I have no problems
with him whatsoever, uh, personally or professionally. And, uh, you
know, I’m I’m sure with with his record and what he’s got going on,
he’ll get resigned somewhere.”
White also left open the possibility of Basharat returning to the
UFC, though he indicated that a reunion was not imminent.