The UFC is facing a title dilemma once again, and it's not just in one weight class! Just weeks after Justin Gaethje was crowned interim lightweight champion, calls are mounting for another temporary belt to be introduced, this time in the heavyweight division. It seems the era of undisputed champions is on pause.
We saw Justin Gaethje earn his second interim lightweight title by defeating Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324. This was a direct result of the division's champion, Ilia Topuria, taking a break from the Octagon at the beginning of 2026 to attend to personal matters. But here's where it gets controversial: the lightweight division isn't the only one experiencing a championship void.
Another divisional kingpin, Tom Aspinall, is currently sidelined. He recently underwent surgery to fix eye injuries he sustained from an unfortunate eye poke by Ciryl Gane back in October. The exact timeline for Aspinall's return remains unclear. And this is the part most people miss: while Aspinall recovers, a prominent contender in the heavyweight division is making a bold suggestion.
Waldo Cortes-Acosta, fresh off his dominant performance against Derrick Lewis at UFC 324, is advocating for the UFC to establish an interim heavyweight title. He's eager to face either Alexander Volkov or Ciryl Gane, both of whom he believes are ready and waiting. Cortes-Acosta stated, "I assume Tom Aspinall is not fighting anytime soon, so why not put an interim title in place? Whoever wins fights the champion, should they make the rematch between Ciryl Gane and Tom Aspinall. That would be good."
Could this be the solution to keep the heavyweight division exciting while its champion heals? Or is it a slippery slope that devalues the actual championship? What do you think – should the UFC create another interim title, or should they wait for their champions to return? Let us know your thoughts below!
