10 Improvements UFC Has To Make

10. Less Belt Vacating/Interim Belts

Let's start with an issue that isn't just associated with the UFC. Title vacating also rears its frustrating head in sports like boxing and has done for decades.

The act of relinquishing a belt (or having an interim version created) can sometimes be unavoidable - a fighter can't help being injured - but sometimes it can be the result of one greedy brainwave.

Wanting to dominate multiple divisions.

UFC has become the home of the pound-for-pound top MMA contenders on the planet. So, to deprive them of the opportunity to test themselves against each other in different weight classes kind of defeats the whole point of the promotion in the first place.

That being said, when a title gets dropped or an interim belt is introduced - to keep the division warm until the ambitious 'undisputed' champ returns - it cheapens the weight class entirely.

Instead of depriving the scrapping contenders a shot at the genuine belt, UFC needs to bring a contractual title defence clause into play. This would ensure that champions have to stay in the division they are reigning over for a minimum of say, three defences (if they aren't usurped before then) which would then earn them the chance to go and challenge for a second belt.

Yes, this would mean that UFC would lose out on a few more twin-title photo opportunities, but the restoration of pride and legitimacy to each division would more than make up for that.