Frank Mir granted UFC release after 16 years with the promotion

Former Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) Heavyweight champion Frank Mir has been granted his unconditional release from the promotion after a tumultuous calendar year that saw him get suspended two years for failing a drug test after a losing effort against Mark Hunt at UFC Fight Night 85.

Mir subsequently requested his release over a year ago, and now he’s got it according to his recent tweet.

Despite maintaining his innocence, Mir won’t be able to return to action until April 2018, which gives him plenty of time to shop around for a new promotion should he continue fighting.

Since 2012, Frank has lost six of his last eight fights, including his previous two bouts and a horrid four-fight losing streak from 2012-2014. In between those losses, Frank managed to win two straight against Antonio Silva and Todd Duffee.

Mir has been with UFC since 2001, and all but two of his 29 professional fights have taken place inside the Octagon.