Overview
- Farid Basharat, who defeated late-replacement John Garza on Saturday, July 11, 2026, won by unanimous decision with judges' scores of 30-27, 30-27 and 29-28.
- Garza took the fight on six days' notice after Ethyn Ewing withdrew, and the bout was competitive with Garza showing strong takedown defense and clean boxing while Basharat controlled key moments.
- Basharat told Joe Rogan after the fight that the bout was the last on his contract and that he wants to remain in the UFC while seeking higher-ranked, top-12 or top-10 opponents.
- The win gives Basharat clear negotiating leverage, but the UFC has not publicly responded and recent roster moves, including his brother Javid not being re-signed earlier this year, show that victories do not guarantee a new deal.
- Because fighters become free agents when they finish their contracted bouts, this result could prompt formal contract talks, potential matchups up the bantamweight rankings, or outside offers, so the next days will determine whether the UFC secures him or he tests the market.