Conor McGregor’s Training Partner Emulates His Double Championship Glory

Many mixed martial artists aspire to become champions in two weight divisions, inspired by the achievements of ‘The Mac’.

Conor McGregor’s UFC career is celebrated for numerous reasons, from his captivating promotional skills to his memorable bouts, such as those against Nate Diaz.

In a landmark achievement, ‘The Notorious’ made history by simultaneously holding UFC titles in two weight classes after his victory over Eddie Alvarez at UFC 305.

While several other legendary fighters have since joined the ranks of double champions, this era seems to be concluding, as exemplified by Ilia Topuria not pursuing a second belt like McGregor.

Despite McGregor’s potential move to BKFC and the passage of time since UFC 305, one of his teammates has now secured a second championship.

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Will Fleury Becomes OKTAGON Two-Division Champion After Short Tenure

Will Fleury of Ireland, a long-time member of SBG Dublin where Conor McGregor honed his skills, has achieved significant success.

Training alongside figures like Karl Moore and Johnny Walker, Fleury, 35, has been a prominent middleweight and light heavyweight competitor in Europe. His career has reached new heights since joining OKTAGON.

Fleury previously competed in PFL twice before his departure following a positive drug test, which resulted in his fight with Krzystof Jotko being declared a no contest.

His exit from PFL was a topic of public discussion between Fleury and McGregor on social media. However, Fleury turned his career trajectory around last year.

After securing consecutive finishes in the light heavyweight division, Fleury defeated former UFC fighter and Czech star Karlos Vemola in December. He then aimed for a second title.

With the heavyweight title vacant in OKTAGON, the light heavyweight champion moved up in weight for OKTAGON 68 in Germany on March 8, facing Lazar Todev of Bulgaria.

Despite facing challenges during the fight, Fleury won by unanimous decision after five rounds, achieving double champion status within just 11 months in the organization.

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UFC Fighters Still Aspire to Double Championship Status

Even with Ilia Topuria relinquishing his featherweight title to pursue the lightweight division, the ambition of becoming a double champion remains a major goal for many elite fighters.

Discussions about champion versus champion matchups are frequent across numerous UFC weight classes.

There’s even speculation about strawweight champion Zhang Weili potentially aiming to become the second female double champion by moving up to flyweight in the future.

While it may not always benefit the divisions, Conor McGregor’s achievement at Madison Square Garden in 2016 continues to be seen as a pinnacle in the sport.