When the prestige loses meaning\u00a0<\/p>\n
The double champ credentials are a fun novelty to add to the accolades of already legendary fighters but right now, its prestige is at risk of being diluted.<\/p>\n
The UFC does seem to be becoming more aware of how this affects the sport, going so far as to strip Islam Mackachev of his lightweight belt before moving up, despite having done more than any modern champ to earn a chance at holding both simultaneously.<\/p>\n
Motivations of a champ<\/p>\n
This leads us onto another motivation for moving up, as Islam has been vocal on how draining the weight cut to 155lb has become for him.<\/p>\n
If a champ can gain all the prestige of another belt while also cutting less weight, feeling better in themselves both out of camp and in the cage, it seems like a no-brainer.<\/p>\n
Furthermore, MMA careers are short, unpredictable and rarely lucrative enough to guarantee long-term financial security. The chance for a bigger payday is just too much to pass up and fighters must make hay whilst the sun shines.<\/p>\n
\u2018Not a career, an opportunity\u2019<\/p>\n
To quote Dana White: \u201cThe UFC isn\u2019t a career, it\u2019s an opportunity.\u201d And the opportunity of becoming a double champ is a chance for a fighter to market themselves to a level of fame few others can attain.<\/p>\n
When the UFC senses a marketing opportunity, there is very little, much less outcry from fans, that will dissuade them from a match-up.<\/p>\n
And a double-champ fight is a marketeer’s dream, with words like \u2018legacy\u2019, \u2018pound for pound\u2019 and \u2018superfight\u2019 thrown out to legitimize the hype.<\/p>\n