Francis Ngannou Joins Jairzinho Rozenstruik, Calls For Their Bout to be Interim Title Fight

Jairzinho Rozenstruik has let it be known that he believes his upcoming bout with Francis Ngannou should crown a heavyweight interim champ. Well, not only does Ngannou agree with his next opponent, his management team has also asked the UFC to put an interim belt up for grabs.

Ngannou wants an interim title up

Ngannou and Rozenstruik were originally scheduled to fight in the headliner of UFC Columbus, which was set for March 28th. But, due to the coronavirus, the card was postponed.

The heavyweights are now expected to throw down at UFC 249 on May 9th, which is reportedly set to take place somewhere in Florida. 

Well, for a little while now, Rozenstruik has been arguing that an interim title should be on the line. The argument being that since the expected rubber match between Stipe Miocic and Daniel Cormier hasn’t been booked yet, an interim title should be created.

Recently Ngannou spoke with MMA Junkie, and while talking about his opponent’s proposal, he said this.

“Regarding the situation, yes, this is what it should be and also, me and my manager, we suggested that to the UFC but they don’t sound interested about it,” Ngannou said.

“But if you look at the fact – in August, it’s gonna be one year since the last time they fight for the title in the heavyweight division.

“So far, we don’t know when’s gonna be the next fight for the title in the heavyweight division so, at some point, we have to move on.

What’s gonna be next? Let’s say this fight happens on May 9, then what next? I mean what’s up for the heavyweight division? They have to put something down, basically the interim title.”

“At some point we just wanna know what’s going on in the division, but it’s kinda part of my frustration now,” he said. “After this fight, let’s say I go there (and) beat this guy – what next?

I’m gonna sit there and wait for them or what’s next. It’s a very blind spot right now, the title in the heavyweight division, and I would like the UFC to put light and to bring some clarification about it.”

Could the UFC get on board?

Now, you can understand why Ngannou and Rozenstruik are making this call. If they win an interim belt they’ll make more money, and any championship, interim or not, is a nice addition to the resume. 

But, it’s not too surprising to hear that the UFC doesn’t sound interested.

Yes, by August 17th it will be one year since the title was last defended. Further, the UFC has put an interim belt on the line for the Tony Ferguson – Justin Gaethje bout, and the lightweight champ Khabib Nurmagomedov just defended that title in September.

But, the UFC is likely hoping to have Miocic and Cormier throw down in July. In the case of Ferguson, he was booked to fight Khabib at UFC 249, until the champ was stranded in Russia on account of the pandemic.