After his brother Javid fought earlier on the card, Farid Basarat was next up at UFC Vegas 113, taking on Jean Matsumoto in bantamweight action.
Basharat remained a perfect 14-0 in MMA to start the night, and entered off a win over Chris Gutierrez. Matsumoto was 3-1 under the UFC banner, with his lone loss coming to Rob Font. He’d bounced back from that setback with a victory against Miles Johns.
Matsumoto pressured early in round one almost running into a spinning backfist from Basharat. A good straight right hand landed from Basharat, with Matsumoto initiating the clinch. Leaking blood down his face Matsumoto had a significant cut under his right eye. Basharat shot a takedown of his own but was stuffed and reversed in the clinch by Matsumoto. With a minute left in the round Matsumoto landed a takedown, but Basharat quickly returned to his feet. This was a highly competitive round between two world class competitors. Basharat landed a straight left hand with ten seconds left that may have swung him the round.
In the second, Matsumoto again pressed the fight to the fence but was quickly reversed. Basharat separated and returned to the center of the cage where he landed a solid shot that made Matsumoto back pedal. The cut on Matsumoto had reopened from the previous round but he continued to march forward. Matsumoto forced the fight to the fence, looking to transition to back control. Landing a takedown, Matsumoto got overly aggressive on the ground and Basharat reversed position to get on top. This was a high paced fight between two of the UFC’s best unranked fighters. With a minute remaining Matsumoto shot in on another takedown landed it briefly against the fence. At the twenty second mark Matsumoto landed a solid knee to right hand combination before the round ended.
With the fight possibly one round a piece each fighter’s corner explained that the needed the third round to win. Matsumoto landed a good combination to start the third before transitioning to the clinch. A well timed takedown by Basharat found him on top with three minutes to go. Both fighters scrambled to their feet where they would exchange a few kicks. Matsumoto landed a good straight right hand but was looking worse for wear with his cut. Trading shots in the pocket each fighter threw caution to the wind in the final minute. Matsumoto marched forward looking for a takedown, securing one against the cage. Matsumoto landed multiple big shots on the break, but then Basharat landed a takedown of his own.
A masterpiece of a fight that showcased technical skill and physical toughness was headed to the judges scorecards with varying opinions online. The judges had this fight a split decision with Sal D’mato as the leaning vote going to Basharat. Staying undefeated Farid moved his UFC record to 6-0 with the win. Basharat called out a top ten opponent in his next fight eyeing former flyweight champion Deiveson Figuereido. With his brother winning earlier on the card it was a successful night for the Basharat brothers.
Official Result: Farid Basharat def. Jean Matsumoto by split decision (29–28, 28–29, 29–28)
