In the UFC, being an interim champion refers to wearing the title and belt that are created when an undisputed champion stops competing or becomes inactive.
Since the defending champion hasn't given up the belt and will be back to defend it, the word interim, which literally means "intervening time," denotes that the current champion is only in place temporarily. The arrival of an interim champion means that there is no undisputed champion, as the two cannot coexist.
The winner of the match between the two fighters deemed by the UFC matchmakers to be the most deserving of the opportunity to compete for the interim title is known as the interim champion. The two competitors aren't necessarily ranked as the top two.
When there is an undisputed champion, a future interim champion may also be established. Accordingly, there can only be a maximum of four women and eight men simultaneously serving as interim champions in each weight class division.
What if an Undisputed Champion is suspended?
In the case of the suspension of an undisputed champion, an Interim title fight shall be held. In Khabib's case, his post-fight altercation resulted in a nine-month suspension (UFC 229). The UFC scheduled a title fight between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway while they awaited Khabib's comeback; if Poirier won, Khabib's title would have been in doubt.
What if the Undisputed Champion's contract is in question?
If an undisputed champion and the UFC are unable to agree on a new contract, the UFC will organize an interim title match while talks are ongoing. The defending champion will return to defend his title against the interim champion if a new agreement can be reached.
For instance, the undisputed heavyweight champion, Francis Ngannou, felt that he was underpaid and had been in a contract dispute with the UFC since 2021. Due to the contract dispute, it was impossible to agree on a date for the title fight, so the UFC quickly created an interim title fight.
If the contract can't be resolved, it's unlikely that another interim title fight will be made; instead, the undisputed champion will be replaced by the interim champion.
What is a Unification Fight?
The championship match between the reigning champion and the interim champion in a weight class division is known as a unification fight. They happen when a reigning champion in their respective division is prepared to return and compete.
Title unification fights put an end to the conflict between the fighters by effectively resolving it and establishing one undisputed-unified champion. The interim champion will no longer exist once the division has been unified, but they are still entitled to keep their title whether they win or lose.
However, if a unification fight ends in a draw, neither champion would lose their titles because a winner had not been determined, and a rematch for the unification would be scheduled.
FAQs
It's a temporary title created when the undisputed champion is unavailable, indicating there is no current undisputed champion.
An interim title fight will be held, which is one of the reasons for the interim title match.
It's a championship match between the reigning champion and interim champion to establish one undisputed-unified champion.
