The first major trade in MMA history is a done deal.
The UFC has officially agreed to release former flyweight champion Demetrious Johnson from his contract in order to allow him to sign with ONE Championship, sources told ESPN on Saturday.
In return, ONE has agreed to release their former welterweight champion Ben Askren from his contract in order to sign with the UFC.
Considering both fighters had multiple fights left on their respective contracts, a transaction of this magnitude has never been done before in MMA.
Both Johnson and Askren are expected to sign new deals with their new organizations in the near future, sources say.