Islam Makhachev and Ilia Topuria show the new dynamics of the UFC; understand

Ilia Topuria e Islam makhachev are big names in the UFC. photo: SUPER FIGHTS Montage

Since Conor McGregor made history by knocking out Eddie Alvarez in the main event of UFC 205 and becoming the first fighter to win belts in two weight classes simultaneously, the double championship became an obsession for many other athletes in the world's largest MMA organization. However, nearly a decade after the Notorious turned the extraordinary into the norm, Dana White doesn't seem interested in keeping champions locked in their respective divisions.

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In 2025, three champions had already decided to switch categories and pursue success in two divisions. However, they were forced to relinquish their respective titles. In this context, SUPER FIGHTS recalls the trajectory of each of them.

Ilia Topuria

Ilia Topuria poses with two UFC belts after victory against Charles of the Bronx. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram.

The company's dynamic shift began with one of today's biggest MMA stars. Featherweight (up to 65,7 kg) belt holder, Ilia Topuria aimed to repeat McGregor's feats and win the lightweight title (up to 70,3 kg) simultaneously. However, the Georgian/Spanish fighter was forced to leave the position vacant to try his luck against Charles of the Bronx in the main fight of UFC 317.

Despite this, he continued to pose with both belts after knocking out the Brazilian in the first round. Around the same time, the king of the division above performed the same maneuver.

Islam makhachev

Islam makhachev derrotou Renato Moicano No. UFC 311. Photo: Instagram/UFC Espanol

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Champion with the most successful defenses in the entire history of the lightweight category (up to 70,3 kg), Islam makhachev always expressed an interest in seeking success at 77 kg, in addition to notoriously having difficulties reaching the limit of the category in which he reigned. After finishing Renato Moicano with a triangle choke in the first round of UFC 311, the Russian decided it was time to leave the division and start specific work to gain muscle mass and make the transition to welterweight (up to 77,1 kg).

He will have the opportunity to win the new belt against Jack Della Maddalena in November, in the main fight of UFC 322However, he will not officially be a two-time champion if he wins.

Weili Zhang

Weili Zhang defended the straw belt in UFC 292 (Photo: Instagram/UFC)

The most recent move in this direction was announced on the night of last Thursday (29). Queen of the straw weight division (up to 52,1 kg.), Weili Zhang will leave the belt vacant to face Valentina Shevchenko in one of the most important duels in the history of women's MMA, in addition to allowing the Chinese fighter to reach the top of the pound-for-pound rankings. The decision provided a benefit for Brazilian fans, as the title will be disputed in the rematch between Virna jandiroba e Mackenzie dern in the co-main event of UFC 321, in Abu Dhabi.

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Jack Della Maddalena vs @MakhachevMMA @BulletValentina vs zhang weili @Leon_EdwardsMMA vs @TheNightmare170

Register #UFC322 interest https://t.co/jVJGMCoHeE pic.twitter.com/8hYszPJDmM

- UFC (@ufc) August 29, 2025