UFC International Fight Week Lacks Headliners

In a recent episode of The Ariel Helwani Show, the focus turns to the upcoming UFC International Fight Week scheduled for June. The event, traditionally one of the biggest in the UFC calendar, currently lacks confirmed plans for major fights or headliners. This absence of marquee matchups has sparked discussions about potential solutions to elevate the event's appeal and maintain its status as a highlight for fans.

Khamzat Chimaev as a Potential Interim Title Contender

One of the central topics discussed around the 3:45 mark is whether Khamzat Chimaev should fight for an interim middleweight title during International Fight Week. Chimaev, ranked No. 3 in the UFC middleweight division, is coming off a significant victory over Robert Whittaker via first-round submission at UFC 308 last October. With the current middleweight champion, Dricus du Plessis, reportedly sidelined due to injury, the idea of an interim title bout has gained traction as a way to keep the division active and provide a blockbuster fight for the event.

Caio Borralho's Challenge and Chimaev's Response

At approximately the 5:20 timestamp, the conversation shifts to Caio Borralho, who has publicly called out Chimaev for an interim title fight. Borralho, an emerging contender in the middleweight division, sees this as an opportunity to make a statement. However, Chimaev has expressed a lack of enthusiasm for the matchup, citing their past training sessions together as a reason it doesn't excite him. This dynamic adds an intriguing layer to the discussion about who should step into the spotlight for such a high-stakes bout.

Other Potential Matchups for the Event

Further into the episode, around the 8:10 mark, additional fights are considered to bolster the International Fight Alexandre Pantoja versus Kai Kara-France in the flyweight division is floated as another potential title fight to headline alongside a middleweight interim bout. The question remains whether these matchups can generate the level of excitement and anticipation that International Fight Week typically commands among fans.

Balancing Fan Expectations with Fighter Availability

The episode also touches on the broader challenge of balancing fan expectations with the availability of top-tier fighters. With injuries and scheduling conflicts impacting the roster, finding the right combination of bouts to satisfy the audience is no easy task. The suggestion of an interim title fight for Chimaev is seen as a strategic move to maintain momentum in the middleweight division while offering a compelling narrative for the event.