According to Dana White, Francis Ngannou will be freed from his UFC contract.

 Following his rejection of a contract that would have given him the highest-paid heavyweight fighter in UFC history, Francis Ngannou will be freed from his contract and will no longer have the title of heavyweight champion, according to UFC President Dana White.

We made an offer to Ngannou that would have made him the all-time highest-paid heavyweight, according to White. "He declined it. He will be released from his agreement with us. He has complete freedom to do and go as he pleases.

After a three-year sabbatical from the sport, Jon Jones, who has committed to an eight-fight contract, will return to the UFC on March 8 to challenge Ciryl Gane for the heavyweight championship, which is now vacant.

White claimed that Ngannou had been negotiating a new contract for two years and that arrangements were in place for the 36-year-old to take on Jones.

White continued, "We can't keep stalling the division for an agreement with this person. "We exerted every effort to set up the fight and give him the opportunity to fight. But he believes that there are better opportunities with weaker competition outside the UFC.

When Ngannou defeated Gane in January 2022 to unify the heavyweight division, he was riding a six-fight winning streak

He suffered a knee injury ring sparring sessions before up to that fight, and he hasn't fought since having knee surgery.

White remarked, "I wish him the best. It's been enjoyable while he's been here."

Ngannou's representatives were contacted by CNN for comment, but they did not immediately respond.