Luke Rockhold, former UFC middleweight champion, criticized the promotion for making every effort to turn Paddy Pimblett into a lightweight champion.
"It seems to me they are doing everything to give little Paddy a title shot. I am annoyed by fighters who think that an interim title means something... They are just giving Paddy the most favorable fights to make him a champion."
Recall, in his next fight, Pimblett will meet Gaethje, with the interim champion title on the line in this fight.