'He's earned that right': Matt Brown backs Islam Makhachev, slams UFC over another interim title

UFC legend Matt Brown has openly come out in support of Islam Makhachev, expressing his doubts regarding the need for the promotion to create another interim title in view of the recent defense by the Russian fighter. Makhachev refused to face Carlos Prates in January and due to which the UFC scheduled the latter against Michael Morales for the interim title at UFC 336. While UFC president Dana White feels that the division cannot afford to wait, Brown disagrees with him on this front. The seasoned fighter is of the opinion that Makhachev deserves the right to choose his fight dates and argues that handing out another interim belt could undermine the championship's credibility.

MATT BROWN DEFENDS ISLAM MAKHACHEV'S DECISION TO DELAY UFC RETURN

Speaking on the latest episode of The Fighter vs. The Writer podcast, Brown defended Makhachev's decision to skip the January event. According to MMA Fighting, Makhachev last defended his welterweight championship in August, defeating Ian Machado Garry by unanimous decision at UFC 330.

Brown believes the champion's accomplishments deserve some consideration from the UFC.

"He is in position being that he's done such great things, I feel like he's earned that right," Brown said.

The former welterweight contender also questioned why the promotion lacks a consistent policy governing interim championships.

"The UFC needs to make a standard - if you don't defend for this long, we make an interim title," Brown explained.

Makhachev has indicated that he is willing to face the winner of Prates versus Morales after Ramadan. However, White believes waiting until then would unnecessarily delay the division.

Brown acknowledged the UFC's concerns but argued that established champions should have greater flexibility when negotiating their next fights.

WHY MATT BROWN BELIEVES UFC'S INTERIM TITLE DECISION MAKES LITTLE SENSE

Brown's biggest frustration concerns the timing of the interim championship. Makhachev competed just two months ago, and UFC 336 will take place approximately five months after his previous title defense. For Brown, that hardly justifies crowning another champion.

"We don't need to do this. The interim title's not going to mean anything," he said.

Although Brown praised the matchup between Prates and Morales, he questioned whether the UFC was unnecessarily eliminating a potential challenger from Makhachev's immediate path.

"The last thing I like out of this is a f*cking interim title," Brown added.

He also wondered whether the decision was intended to pressure Makhachev rather than address any genuine inactivity.

"Is that the UFC trying to punch Islam in the gut?" Brown asked.

Brown acknowledged that he did not know what had happened behind closed doors between Makhachev and the promotion. Nevertheless, he maintained that the champion's recent activity and achievements warranted greater patience.

For now, Prates and Morales will fight for the interim welterweight championship in January, with the winner expected to challenge Makhachev upon his return.