UFC Double Champions: A Complete List And Analysis

Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) double champions represent the pinnacle of mixed martial arts (MMA) achievement. These elite athletes have successfully held and defended titles in two different weight classes simultaneously or consecutively, a feat that requires an extraordinary blend of skill, power, strategy, and dedication. As of early 2024, only a select group of fighters have etched their names into UFC history by achieving this rare distinction. This article delves into who these double champions are, why their accomplishment is so significant, how they achieved it, and what makes them stand out in the competitive landscape of the UFC.

Key Takeaways

• Rarity: Holding titles in two UFC weight classes is an exceptionally rare achievement, signifying a fighter's dominance across different divisions.
• Skill and Versatility: Double champions possess a diverse skill set, adapting their fighting style to overcome opponents in multiple weight categories.
• Notable Fighters: Legends like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudo are among the few who have achieved this status.
• Strategic Warfare: Successfully navigating two divisions requires immense strategic planning, conditioning, and mental fortitude.
• Legacy Building: Becoming a double champion solidifies a fighter's legacy as one of the greatest in MMA history.

Introduction

The UFC, the premier organization in professional mixed martial arts, is a fiercely competitive environment where athletes strive for greatness. Among the many accolades a fighter can achieve, becoming a simultaneous or consecutive two-division champion is arguably one of the most challenging and prestigious. It requires not only mastery in one weight class but also the ability to compete and conquer at a different weight, often against larger and more powerful opponents. This article explores the elite club of UFC double champions, detailing their journeys, the significance of their achievements, and their lasting impact on the sport.

What is a UFC Double Champion and Why is it Significant?

A UFC double champion is an athlete who has held championship belts in two different weight classes within the Ultimate Fighting Championship. This can occur in two primary ways: — Shipping To Guitar Center: Services & Options

1. Simultaneous Championship: The fighter holds titles in two weight classes at the same time.
2. Consecutive Championship: The fighter wins a title in one weight class, relinquishes it (or it is stripped due to inactivity or moving up/down), and then wins a championship in a second weight class.

Why is this achievement so significant?

• Demonstration of Dominance: It showcases a fighter's ability to dominate across different physical statures and fighting styles. Competitors in different weight classes often have vastly different strengths and weaknesses.
• Exceptional Skill Set: To succeed in two divisions, a fighter needs a comprehensive skill set that includes striking, grappling, wrestling, and exceptional cardio. They must be adaptable and able to implement different game plans.
• Mental Fortitude: The mental pressure of defending one title is immense; defending or winning a second requires unparalleled mental toughness and resilience.
• Historical Impact: Double champions are etched into UFC history, often considered among the greatest fighters of all time. Their achievements inspire future generations of athletes.
• Marketability: Such a rare feat often elevates a fighter's profile, increasing their popularity and earning potential.

Conversely, there are risks associated with pursuing double-championship status. Fighters might face increased injury risk due to more demanding training camps, potential for a title to be stripped due to inactivity in one division while focusing on another, and the sheer physical toll of competing against larger athletes.

The Elite Few: UFC Double Champions and How They Achieved It

As of early 2024, only a handful of fighters have earned the distinction of being a two-division UFC champion. Here's a look at these remarkable athletes: — Sherrill Vs. Ciattarelli: A US Political Comparison

Conor McGregor

• Weight Classes: Featherweight and Lightweight.
• How He Did It: McGregor first captured the interim Featherweight title at UFC 189 and then unified it against Jose Aldo at UFC 194. Just over a year later, at UFC 205, he made history by becoming the first fighter in UFC history to hold two championship belts simultaneously, knocking out Eddie Alvarez for the Lightweight title. He was later stripped of the Featherweight title due to inactivity.
• Significance: McGregor's accomplishment was groundbreaking, proving that a dominant striker could overcome the size difference often associated with higher weight classes. His popularity also exploded, bringing unprecedented mainstream attention to the UFC.

Nate Diaz

• Weight Classes: N/A (Did Not Win Titles)
• Note: Nate Diaz is often mistakenly mentioned in discussions of double champions due to his high-profile fights against Conor McGregor in two weight classes (welterweight and lightweight). However, he never held championship belts in either division.

Daniel Cormier

• Weight Classes: Light Heavyweight and Heavyweight.
• How He Did It: Cormier first won the vacant Light Heavyweight title at UFC 187. He later moved up to Heavyweight and defeated Stipe Miocic at UFC 226 to become the second fighter (after McGregor) to hold two UFC titles simultaneously. He was later stripped of the Light Heavyweight title before winning the Heavyweight title and eventually lost the Heavyweight title back to Miocic.
• Significance: Cormier, a former Olympic wrestler, demonstrated incredible strength and adaptability, proving he could compete at the highest level in two demanding weight classes. His career is a testament to his all-around MMA prowess.

Amanda Nunes

• Weight Classes: Bantamweight and Featherweight.
• How She Did It: Nunes first claimed the Bantamweight title at UFC 200. She then added the Featherweight title to her collection at UFC 232 by defeating Cris Cyborg, becoming the first woman in UFC history to hold two titles simultaneously. She has since defended both titles multiple times before relinquishing the Featherweight belt.
• Significance: Widely regarded as the greatest female fighter of all time, Nunes' ability to dominate opponents in two divisions highlights her exceptional power, technique, and fight IQ. Her reign across multiple weight classes is unparalleled.

Henry Cejudo

• Weight Classes: Flyweight and Bantamweight.
• How He Did It: Cejudo first became the Flyweight Champion at UFC 227. He then famously knocked out Marlon Moraes at UFC 238 to capture the vacant Bantamweight title, becoming the second man (after McGregor and Cormier) to hold two UFC titles simultaneously. He later retired from the sport while holding the Bantamweight title.
• Significance: Cejudo, an Olympic gold medalist in wrestling, showcased incredible technical skill and KO power, proving his capabilities in two distinct weight classes. His journey from Olympic champion to UFC double champion is a remarkable achievement.

George St-Pierre (GSP)

• Weight Classes: Welterweight and Middleweight.
• How He Did It: GSP famously held the Welterweight title for an extended period before vacating it due to health issues. After a long layoff, he returned at UFC 217 to defeat Michael Bisping and win the Middleweight title. He retired shortly after, relinquishing the Middleweight title.
• Significance: GSP is often considered one of the greatest fighters ever, and winning a second title in a heavier division late in his career solidified his legendary status. It demonstrated his enduring skill and ability to adapt.

Alexander Volkanovski

• Weight Classes: Featherweight and Lightweight.
• How He Did It: Volkanovski established himself as the dominant Featherweight Champion. He then challenged Islam Makhachev for the Lightweight title at UFC 284 and UFC 294, losing both bouts via split decision and knockout, respectively. While he competed for the Lightweight title, he did not win it.
• Note: Volkanovski's attempts to become a double champion highlight the extreme difficulty of this feat, even for dominant champions.

Israel Adesanya

• Weight Classes: Middleweight and N/A (Competed for Light Heavyweight)
• How He Did It: Adesanya held the Middleweight title for a significant period. He then moved up to challenge Jan Blachowicz for the Light Heavyweight title at UFC 259 but lost a unanimous decision. He did not win a second title.
• Note: Similar to Volkanovski, Adesanya's challenge for a second belt underscores the immense challenge of capturing gold in multiple divisions.

Other Notable Mentions (Simultaneous Champs in Other Promotions or Consecutive Wins)

While this article focuses on UFC double champions, it's worth noting that the concept of multi-division champions exists across MMA. Fighters like Khabib Nurmagomedov (though he retired as undisputed Lightweight champion without ever losing), Jon Jones (long-time Light Heavyweight champion who won the Heavyweight title), and Jose Aldo (long-time Featherweight champion who won the Bantamweight title) have achieved significant multi-division success, sometimes consecutively or by winning titles in different organizations. — Guilford, CT Zip Codes

How to Achieve Double Championship Status: The Path to Greatness

Becoming a UFC double champion isn't a matter of luck; it's the result of a meticulously crafted journey involving several key components:

1. Mastery of a Primary Division: First, a fighter must achieve undisputed championship status in one weight class. This involves defeating the top contenders and demonstrating consistent dominance.
2. Physical and Technical Adaptability: The fighter must possess a skill set that can translate to a different weight class. This often means excelling in multiple martial arts disciplines – striking, grappling, wrestling, and submissions.
3. Strategic Weight Management: Moving up or down in weight presents significant physiological challenges. Fighters need expert nutritionist and conditioning support to make weight safely while maintaining strength and power.
4. Mindset and Game Planning: Competing against different body types and styles requires distinct game plans. The mental toughness to face new threats and overcome adversity is crucial.
5. Organizational Support and Opportunity: Sometimes, opportunities arise due to vacant titles, champion versus champion superfights, or strategic moves by the UFC. Fighters must be ready to seize these moments.
6. Endurance and Longevity: Achieving and holding two titles often requires a career of sustained high performance, with the physical and mental stamina to undertake multiple demanding training camps and title defenses.

The Process:

• Dominance: First, establish yourself as the best in your current division. This means multiple successful title defenses.
• Assessment: Analyze the landscape of a neighboring weight class. Identify potential favorable matchups or champions with exploitable weaknesses.
• Camp Adjustment: Undertake a specialized training camp tailored to the challenges of the new weight class. This might involve bulking up, increasing strength training, or refining specific techniques.
• Title Opportunity: Secure a title shot in the second division, often by vacating the first or through a superfight arrangement.
• Performance: Execute the game plan flawlessly on fight night, securing the second championship.

Examples and Use Cases in the UFC

The journeys of UFC double champions offer compelling case studies in athletic achievement:

• Conor McGregor vs. Eddie Alvarez: McGregor's 2016 victory over Alvarez at UFC 205 is a prime example of skill-based dominance across weight classes. McGregor, known for his precision striking and timing, moved up to Lightweight and systematically dismantled Alvarez, showcasing a level of striking precision that transcended weight categories.
• Amanda Nunes vs. Cris Cyborg: Nunes' 2018 win over Cyborg at UFC 232 is a legendary performance. Cyborg was considered virtually invincible and significantly larger. Nunes demonstrated incredible power and defensive acumen, knocking out Cyborg in just 51 seconds, proving her dominance as a two-division queen.
• Daniel Cormier vs. Stipe Miocic: Cormier's win at UFC 226 was a strategic masterclass. As an Olympic-level wrestler, he used his grappling and surprising striking power to overcome the heavily favored heavyweight champion Miocic, a record-setting champion in his own right.
• Henry Cejudo vs. Marlon Moraes: Cejudo's 2019 win at UFC 238 to claim the Bantamweight title was a testament to his adaptability. After winning Olympic gold and the Flyweight title, he moved up to Bantamweight, proving his power and fight IQ could secure him a second UFC belt against a highly skilled opponent.
• GSP vs. Michael Bisping: Georges St-Pierre's return after a four-year layoff to win the Middleweight title at UFC 217 demonstrated remarkable grit and skill. He successfully implemented a grappling-heavy game plan against Bisping, overcoming a significant size disadvantage to secure a second championship in a different division.

These examples illustrate that becoming a double champion is not just about winning fights; it's about strategic adaptation, overcoming size disparities, and performing at the highest level against elite competition in different weight classes.

Best Practices and Common Mistakes When Pursuing Double Championship Status

Aspiring double champions and their teams must navigate a complex path. Here’s a look at what works and what can derail these ambitious pursuits:

Best Practices:

• Focus on Dominance First: Ensure you are the undisputed, dominant champion in your current division before attempting to move up or down. This builds momentum and capitalizes on your peak.
• Expert Coaching and Nutrition: Surround yourself with a world-class team of coaches, strategists, and nutritionists who understand the physiological demands of weight class changes.
• Strategic Matchmaking: Choose your second division carefully. Look for opponents whose styles complement your strengths or expose their weaknesses.
• Gradual Weight Adjustments: If moving up, gradually increase muscle mass and strength. If moving down, manage weight cuts meticulously to avoid compromising performance.
• Mental Preparation: Be prepared for the increased pressure and different challenges. Mental resilience is as crucial as physical conditioning.
• Patience and Timing: Don't rush the process. Wait for the right opportunity, whether it's a vacant title, a superfight, or a clear path to contention.

Common Mistakes:

• Moving Up Too Soon: Attempting to win a second belt in a heavier division without fully consolidating dominance or mastering your current one can lead to defeat and stalled momentum.
• Underestimating Opponents: Assuming you can dominate larger or smaller opponents without specific game plans can be a fatal error.
• Poor Weight Management: Unrealistic weight cuts can lead to fighters being depleted, affecting their stamina, power, and chin on fight night.
• Neglecting Skills: Over-reliance on one aspect of your game (e.g., wrestling) while neglecting others can be exploited by well-rounded opponents.
• Ignoring Inactivity Penalties: Holding up a division or being stripped of a title due to inactivity while pursuing another belt can damage your reputation and opportunities.
• Overconfidence: The aura of being a champion in one division can breed overconfidence, leading to complacency or underestimation of challenges in another.

What About Khabib Nurmagomedov and Jon Jones?

While not strictly