The double champion status is a legacy many fighters aspire to achieve. However, Dana White has stated that champions must vacate their current belt if they want to move up to another division. Meanwhile, former two-division champion Cejudo challenged fans to decide whether Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria truly qualify as double champions without holding both belts simultaneously.
Makhachev vs. Topuria was nearly finalized, but the Dagestani fighter chose to move up a weight class to pursue a second title. Similarly, the Spanish fighter made the same move with similar goals. This brings up the question: will either of them be considered a double champ? Cejudo addressed this on the recent Pound4Pound show, saying:
“There’s a difference between being a multi-division champ and a double champ — having one belt on one shoulder and the other belt on the other shoulder, like Conor McGregor, Amanda Nunes, Daniel Cormier, and Henry Cejudo.” He also said, “I felt like Ilia and Islam should never have vacated their belts.”
The former two-division champion also pointed out that there are certain ethics in the sport. He added that the UFC might not allow the winner to carry two belts on their shoulders since both fighters have already vacated their original titles.
Ilia Topuria Mocks Islam Makhachev, Says He Ran Away Before UFC 317
Topuria is set to fight Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight title at UFC 317 on June 28, as announced by UFC CEO Dana White. Topuria, who had vowed only to move up for a lightweight title shot, expressed excitement and took a jab at Islam Makhachev. After losing his lightweight belt, Makhachev moved up to chase a second title, vacating the belt. Fans hoped for a Makhachev vs. Topuria showdown, but many now accuse Makhachev of avoiding the fight. Topuria tweeted:
Click on ‘Follow Us’ and get notified of the most viral MMA stories via Google! Follow Us
“On June 28, another dream will come true. I’ll be the champion of the lightweight division. Charles, my apologies in advance… I’m just fighting for my dreams. It’s unfortunate that Makhachev ran away. 17-0.”
Topuria has already made bold claims ahead of his fight against the former lightweight champion. The Spanish fighter said he’ll do whatever it takes, even if it means being less painful for Oliveira. Fans are excited to see how things unfold at UFC 317.
Also Read: UFC Star Calls Out Islam Makhachev’s Excitement Despite Belal Muhammad Loss
