The Interim UFC Heavyweight Title Is On The Line At UFC 265. Why?
The UFC has announced, via Brett Okamoto, that the interim UFC heavyweight title will be on the line at UFC 265 in August. I have just one question: Why? An interim champion is completely unnecessary seeing as Francis Ngannou won the belt only three months ago at UFC 260.
Dana…Why?
The interim belt will leave Houston around the waist of Derrick Lewis or Ciryl Gane. While I am high on both of these fighters, especially Gane, I still do not see why they need to fight for an interim belt before fighting Ngannou. Why not just make Lewis vs. Gane a title eliminator, with the winner getting the next title shot, and the loser fighting Stipe Miocic? This seems like an unnecessary step for the UFC to take, especially considering Ngannou is not injured or inactive at the moment.
Derrick Lewis vs. Ciryl Gane For The Interim Belt
I love this fight from a style standpoint. It pits Ciryl Gane, who has been sprinting through the division since his debut in 2019, against Derrick Lewis, who never seems to be out of a fight. Both of these men are among the top 3 heavyweights in the world at the moment, but in my opinion, Gane will leave with the interim UFC heavyweight title. His wrestling is far superior to Lewis’, and his striking might be about equal as well. Gane simply has too many ways to beat Lewis. Lewis will not be able to defend takedowns while also trying to stop power jabs all night. Regardless of who wins this fight, however, the subsequent matchup with Francis Ngannou will be an absolute blast.
Stay tuned for a preview of the entire UFC 265 card later this summer.
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