Francis Ngannou and Jairzinho Rozenstruik will face each other at UFC 249 on May 9. However, there could be an addition to the fight to spice things up, at least if the fighters have their way.
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The division’s Heavyweight title has not been defended for nearly 8 months. Stipe Miocic defended his title against Daniel Cormier at UFC 241. However, the pair haven’t been in action since that fight.
Francis Ngannou wants to fight for the Interim Heavyweight Championship
In a chat with MMA Junkie, ‘The Predator’ said, “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.”
“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.”
The 2nd ranked Heavyweight is frustrated about a lengthy wait before a guaranteed fight. He says the division is in a blind spot and wants the UFC to “put light and to bring some clarification about it.”
His comments match those made by his opponent ‘Bigi Boy.’ The Surinamese fighter acknowledged that he was in a big fight. He said, “if you put in the (interim) title, it’s going to be more interesting for both of us. But for now, it’s still the same: It’s a fight. I want it really bad, and when it happens, I’ll be in the best shape ever.”
Both fighters head into the clash on the back of 3 consecutive knockouts. The fight will see both competitors go for the knockout to maintain their streak.
Whose side are you on? Do you think the stakes will be upped with the Interim Heavyweight Championship on the line?
