BREAKING: Francis Ngannou no longer in the UFC, heavyweight championship vacant

Francis Ngannou's time at the UFC has come to an anti-climactic end. The heavyweight champion is no longer a part of the promotion and will vacate his championship with immediate effect.

Ariel Helwani was the first to break the news after reports of a Ciryl Gane vs. Jon Jones matchup had already circulated. Helwani revealed that UFC president Dana White claimed to have offered a historic deal to Ngannou, only to be refused.

The UFC has also dismissed the option to match an offer from another promotion and will not be pursuing the Cameroonian's signature any further.

Helwani tweeted:

"Francis Ngannou is officially clear to sign a deal with someone else. White says they are going to waive any right to match and let him go elsewhere. He is no longer the UFC heavyweight champion. White says they offered him a deal that would have made him the highest paid HW ever."

Check out Helwani's tweet below:

Francis Ngannou fought 14 times inside the octagon and notched up 12 wins with only one of them, his latest against Ciryl Gane, being a decision victory. He defended his heavyweight championship once and reigned supreme for a little under two years.

---

Jon Jones vs. Ciryl Gane will fight for the vacant heavyweight title after Francis Ngannou's exit

Francis Ngannou's shock exit from the promotion opens up the heavyweight division for the blockbuster return of former light heavyweight champion Jon Jones.

Jones has not fought since February 2020 after a controversial win against Dominick Reyes. He vacated his championship shortly after amid pay disputes with the UFC. 'Bones' has repeatedly expressed his intention to compete in the heaviest division during his time away from the octagon.

Ariel Helwani confirmed that the polarizing figure would be back in action in a heavyweight matchup against No.1 contender Ciryl Gane.

"Jon Jones x Ciryl Gane for the vacant heavyweight title is official for March 4, per Dana White."

Helwani cited UFC president Dana White and stated that the heavyweight title will be contested by the two fighters on March 4, 2023. The matchup will headline UFC 285.

Check out Helwani's tweet below:

Ciryl Gane also took to Twitter to announce his third title fight in the UFC.

"Dream BIG [face with look of triumph emoji] #UFC285"

Check out Ciryl Gane's tweet and the official announcement below: