Francis Ngannou is no longer UFC heavyweight champion and now free to sign with any other combat sports promotion. Ngannou's split from the UFC comes after more than a year of contract disputes between the two parties.

UFC president Dana White announced the news at a press conference on Saturday in the immediate aftermath of UFC Fight Night. White announced that Ngannou has been stripped of the UFC heavyweight title and is a free agent. In a rare move, UFC waived its exclusive negotiating window and there is no price matching clause. That means Ngannou can negotiate with other promotions in MMA or boxing without interference from the UFC. White also announced that Ciryl Gane vs. Jon Jones will be contested for the vacant UFC heavyweight championship at UFC 285 in Las Vegas on March 4.

White accused Ngannou of wanting to face lesser opponents for more money and stated that Ngannou could do that outside of the UFC, adding that Ngannou likely would not have been ready to compete from March while recovering from injury. Ngannou had repeatedly made it clear that he felt shackled by the UFC contract.

The third and the only remaining African UFC Heavyweight champion is gone. Kamaru Usman and Isreal Adesanya had earlier been defeated. You guys make Africa proud. Dana White hated Ngannou with passion from the onset and had never wanted him as a champion.

Jon jones destroys Cyril.

Dana wants Ngannou to fight better opponents but gives Jones a Cyril matchup? I dont get it

Racial discrimination at play
White is white but Nga is black what do you expect

Luther0luther:
Jon jones destroys Cyril.

Dana wants Ngannou to fight better opponents but gives Jones a Cyril matchup? I dont get it