An interim champion in the UFC is a titleholder who holds the championship for a limited period of time, usually in the absence of the reigning champion.
Interim champions are typically named when the reigning champion is unable to defend the title due to injury, illness, or other extenuating circumstances.
An interim champion is usually appointed after a tournament or series of fights to determine the best fighter in the division.
The concept of an interim champion was introduced to the UFC in 2000, when heavyweight champion, Bas Rutten, was forced to relinquish the title due to injuries suffered in a fight with Kevin Randleman.
The UFC then organized a four-man tournament to determine an interim champion, with Randy Couture emerging victorious. Since then, the UFC has used interim champions in a variety of circumstances, including when a champion is suspended or unable to fight due to a contract dispute.
Interim titles are important because they keep a division active and competitive in the absence of the champion. They also provide an opportunity for other fighters to prove themselves worthy of a title shot.
Interim titles have been used in various divisions in the UFC, including lightweight, welterweight, middleweight, light heavyweight, heavyweight, and featherweight. The process for appointing an interim champion varies depending on the particular circumstances.
In some cases, the title may be decided in a tournament, such as the one held in 2000 for the heavyweight title. Alternatively, the UFC may choose to hold a single fight between the two top contenders in the division to decide the interim champion.
In some cases, the UFC may also choose to promote a fighter to the interim title without a tournament or fight, usually if the fighter has already established himself as the top contender in the division. Interim titles are not permanent and must be defended to remain valid.
Once the champion returns, the interim champion must face the champion in a title unification fight. In some cases, the interim champion will be allowed to keep the title if they are successful in the unification fight.
Interim titles are also not recognized by some major sanctioning bodies, such as the World Boxing Council. Thus, some fighters may decline to fight for an interim title or may choose to vacate the interim title in order to pursue a championship with a major sanctioning body.
Interim champions have been a part of the UFC for well over a decade, and have helped to keep divisions active in the absence of the reigning champion. They have given other fighters a chance to prove themselves worthy of a title shot, and have helped to create some of the most exciting fights in the UFC.
