Dana White said he was unable to put the belt on Francis Ngannou after UFC 270 title win because he was dealing with "stuff going on backstage".
Ngannou defended his UFC heavyweight title for the first time by outpointing interim champion Ciryl Gane last weekend.
'The Predator' is now out of contract with the promotion after refusing to sign a new deal before the fight, stating he felt "unprotected" in terms they offered him.