What does Daniel Cormier mean by the end of the double-champ era in the UFC?

Daniel Cormier suggests that the trend of fighters holding titles in two weight classes simultaneously is coming to an end, highlighted by recent events like Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria relinquishing their belts. He believes that UFC 322 reinforces this idea, marking a shift in the championship landscape.

Who are the four simultaneous two-division champions in UFC history?

The four fighters who have held titles in two divisions simultaneously are Conor McGregor, Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo, and Amanda Nunes. Their accomplishments were significant milestones in UFC history.

What notable fights are happening at UFC 322 that indicate a shift in champion dynamics?

At UFC 322, Islam Makhachev will fight welterweight champion Jack Della Maddalena, while Zhang Weili will challenge Valentina Shevchenko for the women’s flyweight title, both fighters having vacated their previous championships. This marks a unique situation where former champions pursue higher weight classes after relinquishing their titles.

How did other fighters like TJ Dillashaw and Alexander Volkanovski fare in their attempts to become double-champs?

TJ Dillashaw attempted to become a double-champ in 2019 but lost to Henry Cejudo via TKO. Similarly, Alexander Volkanovski fought Islam Makhachev for the lightweight title but lost in a controversial decision at UFC 284.

What does this shift in double-champ dynamics mean for future UFC events?

The potential end of the double-champ era may lead to more focused divisions and clearer title contenders, shaping future matchups in the UFC and possibly encouraging fighters to specialize in single divisions rather than pursuing titles across multiple weight classes.

Daniel Cormier Declares the End of the Double-Champ Era Ahead of UFC 322

Former UFC double champion Daniel Cormier believes we’re seeing the “end of an era” in mixed martial arts. Speaking ahead of UFC 322, Cormier pointed to Islam Makhachev and Zhang Weili both vacating their titles to move up in weight as a sign that the days of holding two belts at the same time might be over.

For years, the “champ-champ” dream has been one of the biggest stories in the UFC, from Conor McGregor’s famous double title win in 2016 to Amanda Nunes and Henry Cejudo making history in their own divisions. But now, with champions chasing bigger challenges instead of juggling two weight classes, Cormier thinks the sport has turned a corner.

Why UFC 322 Feels Different

UFC 322, set for 15 November, isn’t just another card. It’s a crossroads moment.

Islam Makhachev has given up his lightweight crown to chase welterweight gold against Jack Della Maddalena.
Zhang Weili, once the strawweight queen, is moving up to fight Valentina Shevchenko for the flyweight title.

Both fights are huge, but neither fighter will walk in as a reigning champion. And that’s exactly what Cormier says proves the double-champ era may be fading.

“It feels like when Ilia gave up his belt, you started to sense that the champ-champ era might be coming to an end,” Cormier said.

Looking Back at the Champ-Champ Legacy

The double-champ achievement has always been rare air. McGregor, Cormier himself, Nunes, and Cejudo are the only ones to ever hold two titles at the same time. Fans loved it, the UFC marketed it, and fighters chased it — but the truth is, most who tried fell short.

TJ Dillashaw’s quick defeat against Henry Cejudo, or Alexander Volkanovski’s loss to Makhachev, showed just how hard it is to rule two divisions. Now, with fighters moving up in weight and leaving belts behind, that dream feels more like a thing of the past.

What’s at Stake at UFC 322?

Main Event: Islam Makhachev vs. Jack Della Maddalena (Welterweight Title)
Co-Main: Zhang Weili vs. Valentina Shevchenko (Flyweight Title)

If Makhachev and Weili win, they’ll still make history — but not as double champions. Instead, they’ll be starting fresh in new divisions, leaving their old reigns behind.

For Cormier, that marks a change in how fans should think about greatness in the UFC. Rather than chasing multiple belts at once, the future might be about dominating one weight class before testing yourself in another.

The Bigger Picture

So, is this really the end of the double-champ era? Possibly. The UFC has always thrived on big moments and big names, but holding two belts at once may no longer be the path to stardom. Instead, fighters like Makhachev and Weili are showing that chasing challenges in new divisions — without clinging to the old ones — might be the new normal.

Cormier’s point is simple: things are changing. And UFC 322 could be the night that proves it.