"He is not a double champion" - UFC insider highlights distinction between Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria despite their similar accomplishments

An ex-UFC fighter recently offered his take on the difference between Conor McGregor and Ilia Topuria winning belts in two separate weight classes.

Topuria became a two-division champion at UFC 317, defeating Charles Oliveira for the vacant lightweight gold at the age of 28 years and four months. Notably, McGregor also captured his second belt around the same age as Topuria.

In a recent video posted on his YouTube channel, UFC Hall of Famer Chael Sonnen asserted that despite Topuria's impressive feat, the Georgian-Spaniard "is not a double champion" as he's not holding two belts simultaneously. McGregor became the first to achieve that feat when he beat then-lightweight champion Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 in 2016.

Sonnen said:

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''I saw these comparisons. ESPN MMA put them up... I think [McGregor and Topuria] were both 28 years old... the comparisons are uncanny. Not to mention same weight classes, but one was a double champ and one was a two-time champ... There there's something about that I must tell you really bothers me because it's wrong. [Topuria] is not a double champion. He's a two-time champion.''

The former UFC light heavyweight title challenger then suggested that Topuria has the opportunity to surpass McGregor:

''We don't have to wonder where Conor's going to go. The story is over... But Ilia is a fire that is still having gas put on it. Every time he signs a bout agreement, he stokes that fire. Every time he makes a walk, every time he gets a victory, every time he gets a microphone, he adds to that fire.''

Check out Chael Sonnen's comments below (0:03):

Former boxing world champion calls out Conor McGregor to fight

Former boxing champion Paulie Malignaggi has been at odds with Conor McGregor, criticizing him on several occasions after the Irishman leaked their sparring footage in 2017. Since then, Malignaggi has maintained that he dominated McGregor, not the other way around.

In a recent interview with talkSPORT, Malignaggi slammed McGregor, saying:

''Conor is a very insecure person, he sold our sparring session in the complete wrong way and he is always trying to one-up me. Anything I do he is always involved, it is always me responding and it is never me initiating... I think with Conor, I'd only do it winner-takes-all. It would generate so much money so the winner would take a guaranteed $50k, or the whole pot whatever that is.'' [H/t: talkSPORT]

About the author

Swagat is a dynamic MMA writer with a total experience of a little less than a year, which includes time in retail and sports journalism. He holds an MBA degree.

Swagat fell in love with the sport after watching the iconic grudge match between Jon Jones and Daniel Cormier at UFC 182 in early 2015. Nate Diaz holds a special place in his heart for the Stockton native’s entertaining fan-friendly style and ability to deliver exciting fights regardless of the opponent.

In terms of rule changes in MMA, Swagat advocates for making scores public after each round, adding transparency to judging decisions.

Swagat prioritizes accuracy and relevance while writing and conducts thorough research to ensure the content is fresh and reliable.

He enjoys playing football and painting during his free time.

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Edited by Swagat Kumar Jena