Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

UFC Double Champs Still Possible- Debunking Diego Lopes’ Claim

Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

In the past we have seen multiple UFC double champs, or a fighter who holds the belt in two different divisions. Most fans are thrilled by the idea of double champ, and so are the fighters. Islam Makhachev, for example, is the lightweight champion currently, but he has also stated his desire to compete for the Welterweight title. Recently, a claim by featherweight contender Diego Lopes, suggesting that UFC had banned double champions, sent many fans and fighters into a confusion. So today we are here to debunk the claim by Lopes, and see why it is still possible to be a double champ in the UFC.

November 12th, 2016: Conor McGregor put on one of the greatest performances in MMA history when he dismantled Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 to become the UFC’s first simultaneous double champ.

After the fight, McGregor was livid that the UFC didn’t have a 2nd belt for him, that led… pic.twitter.com/mO3oqG8Z3K
— AFeldmanMMA (@afeldMMA) November 12, 2023

Also Read: Jose Aldo vs. Aiemann Zahabi: Head-to-Head Comparison, Tale of the Tape and More!

Double Champs Still in Play- Clearing Lopes’ Take

Diego Lopes sparked confusion in an interview, stating the UFC no longer allowed fighters to pursue titles in two divisions simultaneously. The comment, has led to widespread speculation, with many believing that the race for double champ window is now closed. However, Dana White shut down the rumor in a press conference, confirming that the double-title fights remain viable.

White said, “Listen, if there’s a guy that thinks he can do it, wants to defend both belts and has accomplished all these great things, I would have no problem with it. But, you’re gonna be busy. ” debunking Lopes’ claim.

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However, becoming a double champ and maintaining that status is no easy feat. Fighters will have to either cut or make weight, and that itself could be a huge problem, if someone is a double champ. And it also means that a fighter will have a much busier schedule than a fighter who’s a champion in a single division. While we have seen fighters such as Amanda Nunes, Henry Cejudo, Conor McGregor, B.J. Penn, to name a few, all have achieved this feat, it isn’t easy by any means.

Also Read: Alexa Grasso vs. Natalia Silva: Head-to-Head Comparison, Tale of the Tape and More!

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