Dana White says they ‘probably would’ do an interim title if Khabib sits out until November
By Kristen King
Will an interim UFC lightweight title come into the picture? UFC President Dana White says ‘probably’.
It appears another hurdle is going to have to be jumped over in regards to the UFC’s lightweight division.
A little over a week ago, UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov was given his punishment by the Nevada State Athletic Commission (NSAC) for his role in the post-fight brawl at UFC 229. Fined $500,000 and suspended for nine months, Nurmagomedov was obviously upset with how harsh his punishment was, but there was something else bothering him.
Also punished by the NSAC were two of Nurmagomedov’s teammates, Zubaira Tukhugov and Abubakar Nurmagomedov, who were fined $25,000 and suspended for one year. Much to the dismay of the champion, Nurmagomedov said that he would not fight again until Tukhugov and Abubakar’s suspensions are up, meaning he is sitting out until the end of the year.
While incredibly noble, Nurmagomedov’s decision puts a bit of a hold on the entire lightweight division. Names like former interim champion Tony Ferguson and No. 3 Dustin Poirier are clearly at the forefront of potential opponents for Nurmagomedov’s next title defense, but it will be a while before we see any of those fights come to fruition.
Fortunately, UFC President Dana White has an idea to solve said issue.
Speaking with ESPN’s Brett Okamoto, White was asked about Nurmagomedov’s intentions and whether they may create the need for an interim title at 155.
“Yeah, it probably would. It probably would. We’ll see how it plays out,” said White. “I haven’t heard Khabib say any of that. He hasn’t said that to me, so when I hear these things that come back from reporters or fans or whatever, ‘Oh I heard this and that’, I haven’t heard that. So he hasn’t said that to me — we’ll deal with it when we deal with it.”
Although an interim lightweight title is a mere idea as of now, Nurmagomedov believes it will happen and has already given names of two the men he sees fighting for it. During an interview with Russian media outlet Sportbox, Nurmagomedov thinks Ferguson and Poirier will fight for the interim title (translated by RT Sport).
“I think that they will create an interim title. It could be between Poirier and Ferguson,” said Nurmagomedov. “Whoever wins will become the interim champion, and then at the end of the year we will fight for the real belt.
“I think that could happen. At the moment I don’t know for sure.”
As White figures out the situation with Nurmagomedov, an interim title being created may be the divison’s best chance to keep its fluidity in tact.