Hill was inactive for the rest of the year and Brudov scored a TKO over Luis Andres Pineda in December to become the inaugural Interim Champion. That reign only last six months when he lost a split decision to Firat Arslan.
Throughout the year, Hill remained inactive; however, Brudov achieved a TKO win against Luis Andres Pineda in December, earning the inaugural Interim Champion title. His reign as champion was short-lived, lasting only six months, as he later lost to Firat Arslan via split decision.