White: Cirkunov no longer with UFC after 'flaking out' on new deal

The UFC has parted ways with one of its most tantalizing prospects.

On Friday, president Dana White told TSN's Aaron Bronsteter light heavyweight Misha Cirkunov had seen the last of the Octagon after negotiations for a new deal proved fruitless.

"I met with Misha and his wife. Good people and everything else, but he ended up really flaking out on the deal, so I'm not interested." White said.

"He knows I'm done. I've made it very clear. I'm done."

White's comments confirm recent rumblings the 29-year-old had turned down an offer to stay with the UFC, a move that cost him his spot in the divisional top 10 and now, the roster.

A long stagnant division loses some much needed new blood in Cirkunov, who'd steamrolled all four of his UFC opponents and scored a statement victory over Nikita Krylov via first-round submission at UFC 206 in his last outing.

The Latvian native's imminent foray into free agency comes after White revealed the promotion would not match Bellator MMA's offer to longtime light heavyweight fixture Ryan Bader. Cirkunov will take his talents to the open market with a professional record of 13-2 including eight straight victories.