This shit isn't going away any time soon, so the UFC is going to have to force some extra 'interim' titles on the paying public so it can churn out PPVs. We also have to recognize that coronavirus has turned the UFC into a regional rather than global promotion. Now, luckily, almost all of the best fighters are from that region - but they are still losing a lot of the roster.
4 of the 10 champions (I don't count women's FW as its own division and flyweight is vacant) look like they can't defend their titles any time soon, and maybe it's 5 because I have no fucking idea where Shevchenko lives. They might be able to get Khabib on a private jet, but there's no chance Izzy, Volk or Zhang are getting into the US or any bullshit fight island. That's a huge chunk of the promotion.
It seems creating 'interim' titles is pretty cheap if a champion is otherwise willing and able to defend, particularly if it excludes contenders who are willing and able to fight too. Perhaps a pro wrestling style 'US title' would satisfy promotional and sporting requirements better?
4 of the 10 champions (I don't count women's FW as its own division and flyweight is vacant) look like they can't defend their titles any time soon, and maybe it's 5 because I have no fucking idea where Shevchenko lives. They might be able to get Khabib on a private jet, but there's no chance Izzy, Volk or Zhang are getting into the US or any bullshit fight island. That's a huge chunk of the promotion.
It seems creating 'interim' titles is pretty cheap if a champion is otherwise willing and able to defend, particularly if it excludes contenders who are willing and able to fight too. Perhaps a pro wrestling style 'US title' would satisfy promotional and sporting requirements better?