Becoming a UFC Double Champion stands as one of the highest accolades in the world of combat sports, awarded to a select few who have proven themselves across multiple weight divisions. Throughout its history, the UFC has seen ten remarkable athletes achieve the distinction of being double champions, showcasing not just skill but also versatility in the Octagon.
The journey began with Randy Couture, who made history as the first fighter to win titles in two different weight classes. From 1997 to 2004, Couture claimed three heavyweight titles and two light heavyweight titles, notably transitioning from heavyweight to light heavyweight after defeating Tito Ortiz. This achievement laid the groundwork for future champions.
BJ Penn soon followed, becoming a champion in both the welterweight and lightweight divisions after defeating Matt Hughes and Joe Stevenson, respectively. His ability to compete across three divisions exemplified the skill set needed to excel in the UFC.
Conor McGregor made an unforgettable mark by becoming the first fighter to simultaneously hold two UFC championships. His stunning knockout of José Aldo at UFC 194 and subsequent victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 embodied a new era of mixed martial arts stardom. However, McGregor’s reign was marked by a lack of title defenses, as he was stripped of both belts.
Georges St-Pierre, known for his grit and strategic prowess, added his name to the list by returning to capture the middleweight title after a four-year absence, joining the ranks of double champions with his victory over Michael Bisping in 2017.
Daniel Cormier achieved his double champion status by first securing the light heavyweight championship. He then knocked out Stipe Miocic at UFC 226, successfully defending his titles multiple times, thereby solidifying his legacy within the sport.
Amanda Nunes became a trailblazer as the first female fighter to hold concurrent championships in two weight classes, establishing her dominance in women’s MMA with decisive victories over Miesha Tate and Cris Cyborg and defending her titles skillfully.
Henry Cejudo followed suit, capturing both the flyweight and bantamweight titles, and earning the nickname “Triple C”. His pursuit of excellence mirrored the determination seen in the previous champions.
Alex Pereira made waves as a double champion in record time, ascending to the middleweight title after a brief stint in the UFC and quickly adding a light heavyweight title to his accolades.
Jon Jones, recognized for his exceptional skills and multiple title defenses, made a significant move up to heavyweight, where he defeated Ciryl Gane to become a two-division champion, further reinforcing his status as one of MMA’s greatest fighters.
More recently, Ilia Topuria has quickly emerged as a force to be reckoned with, winning championships in both the featherweight and lightweight divisions in just nine UFC fights, remaining undefeated in his career.
As the UFC continues to evolve, the anticipation builds for Islam Makhachev, who stands on the brink of potentially becoming the 11th fighter to join this elite group. Makhachev is set to challenge welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena at UFC 322, which could mark another significant chapter in UFC history.
The legacy of UFC double champions not only highlights their individual achievements but also inspires the next generation of fighters aiming to carve their names into the annals of mixed martial arts. Their journeys affirm that while the road to championship glory is challenging, the potential for greatness is always within reach for those who dare to dream.