Dana White on UFC split with Farid Basharat: Theres definitely a reason

The recent UFC split from undefeated bantamweight Farid Basharat surprised many followers of the sport.

UFC CEO Dana White seems to think parting ways with the 16-0 fighter with a 7-0 UFC record isn't that out-of-the-norm, however.

"I think that when guys' contracts are up, this isn't the first time this has happened," White said at a UFC Fight Night 291 post-fight news conference Saturday in Edmonton, Alberta, Canada. "Either guys aren't good to deal with and the matchmakers don't want to deal with them, which could be turning down fights or whatever the reason is. If you're 16-0 with seven wins in the UFC and don't get signed, there's definitely a reason."

Basharat, 29, concluded his deal with the promotion in July when he defeated debutant John Garza by unanimous decision. After news of the split hit newswires days ago, Basharat released a statement on social media.

"The news is confirmed, I am no longer with the UFC," Basharat wrote. "I’ve had an incredibly successful time in the organization. I’m proud and happy with what I’ve accomplished inside the Octagon. I leave with a stainless record. Holding the longest active win streak in my weight division and the fourth longest in the entire UFC. I feel I’m the best bantamweight in the world. ...

"But my departure clearly has nothing to do with my fighting capabilities. Unfortunately the organization just isn’t what it used to be. They’re heading in a different direction from what we all grew up loving. I want to clarify that since my last fight I was never offered a contract or an opponent. I waited but it never came. I’ve certainly never declined a fight during my whole tenure."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Dana White on UFC split with Farid Basharat: 'There's definitely a reason'