:format(webp)/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/59125233/845101768.jpg.0.jpg)
I think at this point, every division should have two champions. One for the fighter who wins the title, and another for the highest-ranking contender willing to defend it. Kind of how like Darth Vader did all the dirty work for Emperor Palpatine.
“Something-something-something interim title.”
That appears to be the case with the upcoming UFC 224 pay-per-view (PPV) event, slotted for May 12, 2018 in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, as former lightweight champion Rafael dos Anjos is in talks to collide with 170-pound motormouth Colby Covington.
Breaking! According to multiple sources close to the situation, the UFC is targeting an interim welterweight title fight between Rafael dos Anjos and Colby Covington for #UFC224 on May 12 in Rio. Nothing is official yet, but it sounds like the deal could be finalized soon. #UFC
— Chris Taylor (@CTaylor_96) March 22, 2018
Dos Anjos was anointed next title contender by none other than UFC President Dana White; however, it’s hard to fight for the strap when the reigning champion is unable (or just flat-out refuses) to fight.
Hence the “welterwhiner” phenomenon.
The Brazilian is 3-0 since jumping up from the lightweight division (28-9 overall) and scored his most impressive win to date by outworking Robbie Lawler in Winnipeg. Covington (13-1), meanwhile, has won five in a row and recently bested Demian Maia in the filthy dump called Brazil.
Anyone out there in MMA land in favor of this potential pairing?
Get the latest gear
