In the world of UFC, Conor McGregor played a pivotal role in elevating the company to international prominence. His contributions were not just heralding its fame, but performing unprecedented feats. One of his most celebrated moments was when he stood as a dual champion, earning titles in two weight divisions at the same time.
Following his lead, many prominent fighters sought to accomplish the same feat. A recent joiner of this exclusive league is Ilia Topuria, further enhancing his reputation and status in the sport. Upon this achievement, stalwarts like Georges St-Pierre showed their admiration, including him in the echelons of the illustrious.
On a special day, Georges St-Pierre shared a commemorative image, depicting every pugilist who manages the extraordinary feat of holding titles in two UFC categories. The illustrative post included repute names such as Randy Couture, BJ Penn, Jon Jones, Amanda Nunes, and many others who carved their mark with remarkable streaks.
As Ilia Topuria’s name was added to this exceptional roster, GSP’s post acted as a testament to his achievement as well as an earnest welcome. Topuria’s ascendancy signifies a fresh chapter in UFC, placing him at par with the most revered multi-division champions the UFC has ever seen.
Sharing in the widespread recognition, Chael Sonnen opines that Ilia Topuria is deserving of not just dual championships, but a third title – the BMF. His theory hinges on the UFC’s missed opportunity to bestow the BMF title on Topuria when he battled the reigning champion.
Sonnen advocates that Topuria should currently possess three belts, and that this would drastically alter the perception and promotional angle surrounding him. While he acknowledges the merit of Max, the incumbent BMF champion, Sonnen stresses that Topuria should already have been gifted with the two official titles and theadditional BMF belt.
In Sonnen’s view, this shortcoming impacts the overall narrative of Topuria’s journey in the UFC world. This stance is peculiar, as no competitor has ever claimed to hold three UFC titles all at once.
The BMF belt, although not recognized officially, if attained by Topuria, would have registered as a breakthrough moment and marked a historical moment in the annals of the sport. It would have not only created a fresh benchmark for supremacy but also raised his stature among the greatest champions UFC has seen.