The manager of the UFC heavyweight champion Francis Ngannou Markel Martin commented on the news that the promotion will make an interim title fight of Ciryl Gane and Derrick Lewis.
“It was a complete shock. It came as a surprise to get an interim title fight so quickly, especially if you look at the history of this division. Francis is just now returning to the US to start training and he won the title three months ago. We do not know what is behind this decision, but we hope to clarify the situation soon and find out something with the UFC. In the end, they control these decisions,” Martin told ESPN.
Ngannou won the belt on March 27, knocking out Stipe Miocic. The Cameroon hoped to hold the first title defense against Jon Jones and was in no hurry to accept the fight against Lewis. Apparently, this is what prompted the leadership of the organization to go to extreme measures and arrange a fight for a interim belt.
