Bantamweight Farid Basharat will face promotional newcomer John Garza at UFC 329, following the withdrawal of his original opponent, Ethyn Ewing. The bout is scheduled for July 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, completing the 14-fight card. Basharat enters the contest aiming to secure a new UFC contract, as this matchup marks the final fight on his current deal.
Updated Bantamweight Matchup for UFC 329
Farid Basharat (15-0) was left without an opponent after Ethyn Ewing withdrew from their scheduled fight due to a "detrimental injury." According to reports from MMA journalist Marcel Dorff, John Garza (6-1) has stepped in on less than a week’s notice to fill the vacancy.
UFC 329 Fight Card Overview
The addition of Basharat vs. Garza finalizes the lineup for the July 1 event at the T-Mobile Arena. The full card features 14 bouts, anchored by high-profile matchups:
- Conor McGregor vs. Max Holloway
- Benoît Saint Denis vs. Paddy Pimblett
- Cory Sandhagen vs. Mario Bautista
- Brandon Royval vs. Lone’er Kavanagh
- King Green vs. Terrance McKinney
- Robert Whittaker vs. Nikita Krylov
- Gable Steveson vs. Elisha Ellison
- Cody Garbrandt vs. Adrian Yañez
- Luke Riley vs. Kai Kamaka III
- Tracy Cortez vs. Wang Cong
- Damian Pinas vs. César Almeida
- Ryan Gandra vs. Zachary Reese
- Alessandro Costa vs. Cody Durden
- Farid Basharat vs. John Garza
Contract Status and Future Implications
For Farid Basharat, the fight carries significant professional stakes. The fighter confirmed that he will be a free agent following the conclusion of the UFC 329 event.
"It’s a gamble," Basharat stated regarding his contract situation. "If it were up to me, I’d re-sign straight away because ultimately the UFC is where everybody wants to be."
Basharat noted that the promotion requested he complete this specific fight before entering into formal contract renewal negotiations. Despite the uncertainty of his free agency, Basharat maintains that his primary objective remains earning a UFC championship. He emphasized that he feels he has already demonstrated the necessary performance level to justify his position within the organization.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is replacing Ethyn Ewing at UFC 329?
John Garza has been confirmed as the replacement opponent for Farid Basharat.
When is UFC 329 taking place?
The event is scheduled for July 1 at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
Is Farid Basharat currently under a long-term contract?
No, Basharat has indicated that his current UFC deal expires after his fight at UFC 329, at which point he will become a free agent.
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