UFC 322: Makhachev, Weili Pursue Double-Champ Status

7 months agoUS
UFC 322: Makhachev, Weili Pursue Double-Champ StatusSource: cbssports.com
UFC 322 featured Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili aiming to join the elite ranks of two-division champions. This article recaps their attempts and looks at the history of UFC fighters who have achieved this rare feat.

Key Insights

Only 10 fighters in UFC history have held titles in two different weight classes.

Islam Makhachev challenged Jack Della Maddalena for the welterweight title, while Zhang Weili faced Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title at UFC 322.

Key double champions include Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, and Amanda Nunes.

The UFC's willingness to allow champions to pursue titles in other divisions has increased in recent years.

Several fighters have failed in their attempts to become double champions, including Vitor Belfort and Frankie Edgar.

Why This Matters: Achieving champion status in two weight classes is a testament to a fighter's skill, adaptability, and dominance. It elevates their legacy and adds excitement to the sport.

In-Depth Analysis

The pursuit of double-champ status has become a captivating narrative in the UFC. Historically, fighters like Randy Couture and B.J. Penn paved the way, with Couture achieving the feat in 2003. The modern era has seen stars like Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, and Amanda Nunes also achieve simultaneous championships.

However, the road to double-champ status is fraught with challenges. The size disparity between weight classes and the need to master different fighting styles make it a difficult task. Many notable fighters have fallen short in their attempts, highlighting the difficulty of this accomplishment.

List of UFC Double Champions:

Randy Couture: Heavyweight, Light Heavyweight

B.J. Penn: Welterweight, Lightweight

Conor McGregor: Featherweight, Lightweight

Georges St-Pierre: Welterweight, Middleweight

Daniel Cormier: Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight

Amanda Nunes: Bantamweight, Featherweight

Henry Cejudo: Flyweight, Bantamweight

Jon Jones: Light Heavyweight, Heavyweight

Alex Pereira: Middleweight, Light Heavyweight

Ilia Topuria: Featherweight, Lightweight

FAQs

Q: How many UFC fighters have won titles in two weight classes?

Only 10 fighters in UFC history have accomplished this feat.

Q: Who are some of the most notable UFC double champions?

Randy Couture, B.J. Penn, Conor McGregor, Georges St-Pierre, and Amanda Nunes are among the most well-known double champions.

Q: What makes it difficult to become a double champion in the UFC?

The size disparity between weight classes and the need to adapt to different fighting styles pose significant challenges.

Key Takeaways

The pursuit of double-champ status is a challenging but rewarding goal for UFC fighters.

Only a select few have achieved this feat, highlighting the difficulty and prestige associated with it.

Keep an eye on future UFC events to see if any other fighters will attempt to join this elite club.

Discussion

What do you think? Will we see more double champions emerge in the UFC? Share your thoughts in the comments below!

Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!

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