“If it’s not even a real belt”- Chael Sonnen speaks on the recent controversy regarding the existence of Interim titles in the UFC
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Ciryl Gane Chael Sonnen and Francis Ngannou
There have been discussions regarding the validity of Interim titles in the UFC. It all started when recently Francis Ngannou interviewed Megan Olivi where he questioned the legitimacy of the Interim title. Chael Sonnen has shared his opinion on the same.
The Heavyweight Champion will defend his title against challenger Ciryl Gane on January 22 at UFC 270. Ahead of the fight, Ngannou revealed that the fight is not a unification bout as there is only one title and he possesses that. The fighter doesn’t accept the Interim title as according to him it is not real ” There is no unification. As far as I’m concerned, that( Interim title) doesn’t exist,” said Ngannou.
Gane won the interim UFC Heavyweight Championship belt after defeating Derrick Lewis at UFC 265 in August of 2021. The existence of Interim titles in UFC can easily confuse anybody new to the sport. Originally, the Interim belt was created to utilize when the current champ is unable to fight. In this situation when there is no title defense, the interim title acts as a reward for other fighters in the division to fight for it and keep the division in action. Usually, the two highest-ranked fighters after the champion are allowed to fight for the Interim title.
Chael Sonnen Has Given His Statement Regarding The Matter
Sonnen in his YouTube channel shared a video where he gave his opinions regarding the presence of Interim titles. The former UFC fighter revealed that he personally loves the Interim title as it gives an opportunity for fighters other than the champ to keep in fighting. Sonnen explained that the interim title helps the audience to stay engaged in the sport as two fighters fight for the interim title. “I think there are other opportunities out there instead of just being a champion of the world,” said Sonnen.
However, he accepts Ngannou’s point that if the belt can’t be defended how is it even real? he questioned.“If that belt actually means something defend the God*** thing. If it’s not eligible to be defended it’s not a real belt”
Sonnen took the example of the Olympics and explained that as a fan of sports it’s great to have the existence of league, city, and state championships. There has got to be something always going to continue the entertainment. “I can’t let the Olympic medal be the only thing that matters, what do you do the rest of the time,” said Sonnen. With that said, Sonnen also believes that what Ngannou said has a valid point as this fight is not a champion vs champion as there is only one belt on the line. “That’s a strong case to beat, I have never looked at it that way,” said Sonnen.
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Soumya Ranjan
(2167 Articles Published)