Farid Basharat fought UFC 329 with torn MCL, meniscus
Farid Basharat kept a significant injury under wraps ahead of UFC 329.
The undefeated bantamweight told reporters after his unanimous decision win over John Garza on Saturday in Las Vegas that he tore his MCL and meniscus three weeks before the bout. "Three weeks before the fight, I tore my meniscus and my MCL," Basharat said in a post-bout interview, per Sherdog. "Sometimes I need to be protected from my own toughness. I didn't think for a second to pull out."
Basharat's injury visible during fight week
The 135-pounder was compromised throughout camp, visible evidence of which appeared in behind-the-scenes footage showing him wearing a knee brace, limping, or completing extended warmups before training sessions. Despite entering as a prohibitive favourite — some sportsbooks had him as high as minus-700 — Basharat was tested by promotional debutant Garza, who stepped in on six days' notice after original opponent Ethyn Ewing pulled out with an undisclosed injury.
Basharat improved to 16-0 overall and 7-0 in the UFC with the win. The 23-year-old Garza, who dropped to 6-2, showed he belonged despite the short-notice assignment. Basharat said he wants to give Ewing the benefit of the doubt regarding his withdrawal.
The Afghan-born Brit has not announced a target date for his next appearance as he deals with the knee injuries.
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