McGregor was interim featherweight champion. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
The protagonism of UFC 284, an event that takes place next Saturday (11), puts the Islam makhachev e Alexander Volkanovsky. Holder of the featherweight title (up to 65,7 kg.), the Australian took the 'comfort' of the belt to try to become a double Ultimate champion, but opened up an opportunity to Yair Rodriguez e Josh Emmett.
See too
Title contenders, Yair and Emmett have the second most important fight on the card in Australia and try to wear the title for the first time – even if it is an interim one. They, however, are not the only ones who have had the opportunity. For a 'warm up', the SUPER FIGHTS recalls other fights for the interim belt in the history of the category.
Conor McGregor (x Chad Mendes – UFC 189)
Conor (right) knocked out Mendes (left) and won the interim featherweight title. Photo: Josh Hedges/UFC
Conor McGregor he had the first opportunity to prove that he was not just a 'talker'. The Irishman, who was already emerging as a possible challenger for the José Aldo, had his first opportunity for the featherweight belt – even if interim – against Chad Mendes at UFC 189, in July 2015.
The 'Notório', as he is known, was scheduled to face the Brazilian, who was injured and was unable to continue in the clash. That's why the Irishman accepted Mendes, anticipated a knockout and fulfilled his promise to achieve an outcome in the second round. He later faced Aldo and managed to unify his belt in just 13 seconds.
José Aldo (x Frankie Edgar – UFC 200)
Aldo won the interim UFC featherweight belt. Photo: Josh Hedges/Zuffa LLC
After losing the featherweight belt in a traumatic way to Conor McGregor, José Aldo once again held a UFC title in July 2016. The Brazilian dominated Frankie Edgar on the main card of the folkloric UFC 200 to become interim champion of the 66 kg category.
The Brazilian, in fact, did not have a rematch with McGregor and was a priority for Ultimate with the Irishman's move up to lightweight (up to 70,3kg) for the title fight. In turn, Aldo took advantage of the chance and fought strategically with counterattacks against Edgar. He was promoted to linear champion, with his arch-rival stripped of his post due to inactivity.
Max Holloway (x Anthony Pettis – UFC 206)
Max Holloway arrived with morale, coming from nine consecutive victories, to face Anthony Pettis. The promise was that, if he passed the North American, the Hawaiian would have the opportunity to face José Aldo by the linear belt. And the UFC's 'word' was not in vain, with the fighter knocking out his opponent in the third round, in a fight valid for UFC 206 in December 2016. The duel took place in Toronto, Canada.
Subsequently, Holloway accepted the challenge of going to Rio de Janeiro to face 'King' Aldo. With a strong pace of play, he also knocked out the Brazilian and unified the title, etching his name in the organization's history.
Yair Rodriguez x Josh Emmett (UFC 284)
Y. Rodriguez (left) and J. Emmett (right) face each other in the UFC 284. Photo: SUPER FIGHTS montage
It's time for the interim belt fight between Yair Rodriguez e Josh Emmett, which should define the next challenger for the linear title against Alexander Volkanovsky – athlete who also plays on the same card. The opportunity for the athletes arose after the Australian, who holds the belt, moved up to lightweight (up to 70,3kg) to try to beat Islam makhachev. The confrontation takes place in UFC 284.
Mexican representative in Ultimate, Yair is in second place in the division's ranking, with significant victories against Brian ortega, Korean zombie, Dan Hooker e B.J. Penn. In the organization since 2014, he has nine positive results, two negative results and one 'no result' fight.
On the other hand, Emmett is experiencing the best moment of his career and is in fifth place at 65,7kg. The North American, who has already beaten Calvin kattar, Dan Ige and Ricardo Lamas, has five consecutive victories in his career in Ultimate.
So, who will be next on the list?
You need login To comment.