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- Jul 19, 2008
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A title should be defended at least once every 6 months, if not 4. I mean, that's 3 times a year, that's nothing, but fine, 2 times is sadly acceptable these days because fighters are rich and they don't need to work much.
Nowadays with most champs fighting the once a year and champs going for two titles, waiting for money fights, I think there should always be an interim champ in every division. The interim champ would basically the undisputed No. 1 contender and when the champ is available, they would fight.
Look at what Henry Cejudo did to both the FlyW and BW divisions. Khabib fought once in 2019, who knows when he'll fight again. Whittaker defended once a year, who even remembers? LHW is one of the few division that doesn't need an interim champ, except of course, Jones might get popped or get into legal troubles.
Anyhow, with a champion who fights once a year and an interim champ (who hardcores can call the No. 1 contender if it makes them feel better), you would get like 3 to 4 title defenses a year and you'd have much more excitement and clarity in the divisions. Not to mention the fighters would be happier getting paid to fight for a title instead of sitting around waiting and demanding a title shot when they get into the No. 1 contender discussion.
With Stipe out indefinitely, it's a no brainer to make Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik for the interim title. Ngannou knocking people out in one round probably means he can fight 3 times in 2020, before Stipe even returns.
Nowadays with most champs fighting the once a year and champs going for two titles, waiting for money fights, I think there should always be an interim champ in every division. The interim champ would basically the undisputed No. 1 contender and when the champ is available, they would fight.
Look at what Henry Cejudo did to both the FlyW and BW divisions. Khabib fought once in 2019, who knows when he'll fight again. Whittaker defended once a year, who even remembers? LHW is one of the few division that doesn't need an interim champ, except of course, Jones might get popped or get into legal troubles.
Anyhow, with a champion who fights once a year and an interim champ (who hardcores can call the No. 1 contender if it makes them feel better), you would get like 3 to 4 title defenses a year and you'd have much more excitement and clarity in the divisions. Not to mention the fighters would be happier getting paid to fight for a title instead of sitting around waiting and demanding a title shot when they get into the No. 1 contender discussion.
With Stipe out indefinitely, it's a no brainer to make Ngannou vs. Rozenstruik for the interim title. Ngannou knocking people out in one round probably means he can fight 3 times in 2020, before Stipe even returns.
