Matt Brown has criticized the push for an interim title at welterweight, following Belal Muhammad’s injury-related absence. The UFC’s decision to potentially create an interim title fight has sparked debate in the MMA community.
Matt Brown Criticizes UFC’s Push for an Interim Title in Welterweight Division
Brown, who has been outspoken on issues related to UFC’s title decisions, believes an interim belt undermines the value of a championship. According to Brown, a fight between Rakhmonov and Usman should still hold weight without the need for a title. He emphasizes that Muhammad’s brief absence doesn’t warrant such a move.
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The UFC’s History with Interim Titles
In recent years, the UFC has introduced interim titles more frequently to bolster pay-per-view appeal. Similar moves were seen when heavyweight Jon Jones suffered an injury and an interim title bout was scheduled. Brown argues that this trend risks devaluing titles and shifting focus from athletic merit to business motives.
The Blessings and Curses of UFC’s Authority
While Brown acknowledges that the UFC’s centralized structure allows them to secure top fights — a problem often faced by boxing — he suggests the organization needs clear criteria for interim titles. Without this, fighters and fans are left uncertain about title decisions, a recurring issue for fighters seeking legitimate title shots.
Conclusion: Interim Titles as a Business Move
Ultimately, Brown understands the UFC’s need to drive pay-per-view sales but believes that placing a title on the line solely to boost buys weakens the sport. If Rakhmonov vs. Usman goes forward with an interim title, it will reflect the “blessing and curse” of the UFC’s business model.
