Dana White says that interim belt makes 'total sense' and that Ngannou was already warned

D. White at a UFC press conference. Photo: Reproduction/YouTube

Almost ten days after the announcement of the dispute for the interim heavyweight title (up to 120,2 kg) between Cyryl Gane e Derrick Lewis, UFC 265, in August, the subject continues to generate considerable controversy.

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In an interview with journalist Farah Hannoun, from the official UFC channel in Saudi, the UFC president assured that Francis Ngannou, linear champion of the category, and his representatives already knew this would happen.

“They knew this would happen for weeks if we didn’t have a deal. This has happened a million times,” Dana assured.

In the interview, given last Tuesday night (06), Dana White explained the logic behind creating the interim title after just three months of Ngannou winning the belt.

“What happens is that we are running a business and we have fights every Saturday night. We needed to do that fight in Houston, we didn't close the deal and so we created the interim belt, which makes perfect sense. Derrick Lewis already defeated Francis Ngannou and Cyril Gane came from behind to win that weekend. These are the two best heavyweights in the world and they will fight for the interim belt. When Francis is ready to fight, we will make him face the winner”, concluded the president.

Cyryl Gane e Derrick Lewis face each other in the main fight of the UFC 265, on August 7th, in Houston (USA). The co-main fight of the event features a fight for the women's bantamweight title (up to 61,2 kg), between Amanda nunes e Julianna Pena.

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