Defining the Interim Champion in UFC
In the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), an interim champion is a titleholder recognized when the reigning undisputed champion is unable to defend their belt due to injury, personal reasons, or other extended absences. The interim championship allows the division to maintain activity and determine a top contender without freezing the weight class. Once the undisputed champion returns, a unification bout is typically scheduled to crown a single champion.
Why Does the UFC Create Interim Championships?
The primary purpose of an interim title is to keep a division moving forward. When a champion is sidelined for more than a few months, other fighters cannot compete for the belt, leading to stagnation. By introducing an interim title, the UFC ensures that:
- Top contenders have a clear path to a championship fight.
- Fans continue to see high-stakes bouts in the division.
- The promotion can build storylines and maintain momentum.
Interim titles also serve as a tool to reward fighters who have earned a title shot but cannot face the current champion due to timing.
How Interim Championships Are Created
The UFC President or matchmakers decide when an interim title is necessary. Common scenarios include:
- Champion injury: If the champion suffers an injury requiring surgery or extended recovery (e.g., 6+ months).
- Champion inactivity: When the champion takes a long break for personal reasons or pursues other opportunities (e.g., cross-promotion fights).
- Champion moving weight classes: If the champion moves up or down and holds two belts, an interim champion may be created in the original division.
The UFC then books a fight between the top two contenders in the division, with the winner receiving the interim belt. The interim champion is expected to defend the belt or await a unification fight.
Notable Interim Champions in UFC History
Several fighters have held interim titles, some of whom went on to become undisputed champions. Examples include:
- Conor McGregor – Won the interim featherweight title in 2015 against Chad Mendes, later unified with Jose Aldo.
- Colby Covington – Won the interim welterweight title in 2018, but never unified due to champion Tyron Woodley’s injury and subsequent loss.
- Justin Gaethje – Captured the interim lightweight title in 2020, then lost to Khabib Nurmagomedov in unification.
- Tom Aspinall – Won the interim heavyweight title in 2023 after champion Jon Jones was injured, later unified with Jones in 2024.
- Islam Makhachev – Briefly held an interim lightweight title in 2022 before becoming undisputed.
As of 2026, the UFC continues to use interim titles in divisions where champions are inactive, ensuring the sport remains dynamic.
Controversies and Criticisms
While interim titles serve a purpose, they have drawn criticism:
- Overuse: Some argue the UFC creates interim belts too frequently, diluting the value of the undisputed championship.
- Unification delays: Occasionally, unification fights are postponed for months, leaving two champions in one division.
- Legitimacy questions: Critics claim interim champions are not “real” champions, especially if they never unify.
Despite these concerns, the interim championship remains a practical solution for maintaining division activity in a sport where injuries and scheduling conflicts are common.
Conclusion
The interim champion in UFC is a temporary titleholder created to keep a weight class moving when the undisputed champion is unavailable. While not without controversy, the interim belt has become an established part of UFC history, providing memorable fights and clear contenders. Understanding its meaning helps fans appreciate the strategic decisions behind matchmaking and championship lineage.