Ranking Interim UFC Champions That Never Became Undisputed

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It’s finally UFC 304 fight week. The promotion makes its long awaited return to Manchester, England. But do you know what else is making a return? An interim title defense. Interim UFC heavyweight champion, Tom Aspinall, looks to defend his title in the co-main event against, Curtis Blaydes.

Interim titles in the UFC are often viewed by many as a belt for the top contender. Not for the champion… Dustin Poirier has labeled it “a piece of the world title,” because all interim UFC champions have one goal, and that’s to become undisputed. While many have went on to hold the world title, there are some legends and forgotten names that never reached the top of the mountain.

Read about the interim UFC champions who never won undisputed gold:

#9. Yair Rodriguez

Mexican featherweight Yair Rodriguez has been one of the most exciting strikers in UFC history. He has victories over The Korean Zombie, Jeremy Stephens, and Brian Ortega. He also survived some of Josh Emmett’s thunderous strikes to submit him for the interim featherweight title at UFC 284. Unfortunately, no one viewed him as a champion as he was only given the interim title fight so Alexander Volkanovski could challenge for the lightweight belt. Sadly, he was dominated by Volkanovski and losing by third-round TKO at UFC 290 in the unification fight.

#8. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira

As a legend who built his name in Pride FC, “Big Nog” submitted Tim Sylvia to win the interim heavyweight championship at UFC 81. He ended up losing his interim title when Frank Mir knocked him out at UFC 92. Unfortunately, his career was downhill from there as he went 2-6 in the UFC before retiring.

#7. Shane Carwin

In a short career, Shane Carwin knocked out Frank Mir to win the interim heavyweight championship at UFC 111 to improve to an undefeated 12-0 record. Unfortunately, Brock Lesnar submitted him at 116 in the unification fight. He also went on to lose a decision to Junior dos Santos before his UFC exit.

#6. Ciryl Gane

The formerly undefeated French heavyweight seemed like the new breed with rapid speed and footwork. He went on to win four fights in nine months to win the interim title. He was up two rounds to zero against Francis Ngannou at UFC 270. But due to a grave wrestling mistake in round five, he lost a narrow decision.

#5. Carlos Condit

Carlos Condit deserves a spot this high on this list because of how close he was to becoming undisputed. He lost a narrow split decision to Robbie Lawler in his final shot at becoming the champion. However, he will be remembered for his legendary victory over Nick Diaz to win the interim title at UFC 143.

#4. Colby Covington

Colby Covington has earned his share of haters. But, there’s no denying that he beat 3 former world champions, including Rafael Dos Anjos at UFC 225 to win the interim belt. Many believe his best accomplishment is losing two narrow undisputed title fights to the champion and then pound-for-pound top fighter, Kamaru Usman.

#3. Justin Gaethje

“The Highlight” has been responsible for giving the most devastating beatings in history. There is none more important than when the UFC returned to action during COVID at UFC 249. Justin Gaethje dominated Tony Ferguson and broke his 12-fight win streak to win the interim belt.

#2. Tony Ferguson

“El Cucuy” had five fight cancellations against Khabib. But Tony Ferguson beat a murderer’s row of opponents to become interim champion. Despite never holding the undisputed belt, his 12-fight win streak will help him go down as one of the greatest lightweights of all time.

#1. Dustin Poirier

This one is a no brainer. Dustin Poirier is known as the best fighter to never win an undisputed title. For someone who has completed the violence triangle of Michael Chandler, Eddie Alvarez, and Justin Gaethje, he was only stopped by the best when fighting for undisputed gold. Let’s not forget the iconic moment when he beat Max Holloway for the interim title at UFC 236.

This list is a beautiful representation of being, “so close yet so far.” Every single one of these guys will go down as legends, even if they could never realize their dreams of becoming a UFC champion.

Let us know who you think was the best UFC interim champion below.

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About Post Author

Anik Subramanian

Anik Subramanian is a United States based journalist who fell in love with mixed martial arts when it was the first sport to return during the pandemic. He also sheds light on the warriors who enter the BKFC’s squared circle. You may know Anik as a journalist for FightBook MMA. Follow his X & Instagram accounts linked below.

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