Editorial on MMA fighters becoming double champ

When it comes to fighters holding two belts they have to understand what Dana is used to. Dana is used to Anderson Silva who could move up to 205 and move back down and made 185 on the dot to defend his title. Anderson never had an issue on the scales and cleared his division twice. Zhang Weili might have a case for champ champ status if she fought in the flyweight division when she didn't have a title defense. She can't keep picking only certain fighters to face. She could face Blanchfield right now. I believe that ilia topuria simply can't make 145 anymore. I think he should face Diego or Volk before moving up permanently. I don't think he will do well at 155 at all but there isn't much he can do at 145. My main problem with fighters moving up to collect belts is the current Champs can't move down. There is no incentive for Valentina Shevchenko or Islam Makhachev to fight smaller fighters. It not like they can move down and become double champ. If amanda ribas were the flyweight champ this would be perfect because she's able to go back to strawweight to fight. So there would be incentives for a champ vs champ fight or Jessica Andrade. Andrade would fight in all three divisions. My point is I understand the UFC'S apprehension when it comes to fighters wanting to move between divisions to achieve double champ status. Personally I don't mind double champs as long as they fight frequently but not someone who only fights once or twice a year and is unwilling to fight anyone anytime.

Written by MMA by Milikin February 23, 2025