Conor McGregor’s rise to becoming a two-division champion in the UFC is a tale of triumph and an interesting twist involving Tyron Woodley’s welterweight belt. Let’s delve into the memorable night when McGregor made history, and Woodley played an unexpected supporting role.
Conor McGregor, the UFC’s undeniable megastar, gained fame in Europe’s Cage Warriors before joining the UFC in 2013. His spectacular 13-second knockout of Jose Aldo in 2015 secured the featherweight title. The following year, McGregor achieved an unprecedented feat by defeating Eddie Alvarez, becoming the first UFC fighter to hold titles in two weight classes simultaneously.
In the iconic images of McGregor proudly displaying two championship belts in the octagon, a little-known fact emerges. After the Alvarez fight, UFC CEO Dana White initially presented McGregor with only one belt. McGregor, confused and vocal about the missing second belt, expressed his dismay. However, to his surprise, Dana White handed him another belt, and that’s when the hidden story unfolds.
The additional belt McGregor received actually belonged to Tyron Woodley, the former UFC welterweight champion, who happened to be present at the event. It’s not uncommon for champions to bring their belts to UFC events. Dana White later clarified that McGregor’s expectation for the second belt was his responsibility, as the UFC wasn’t obligated to provide it.
This incident added a unique chapter to McGregor’s historic achievement, with Woodley’s belt contributing to the visual spectacle of McGregor’s dual-title moment. McGregor’s charisma and controversial persona continue to captivate MMA fans, making him an enduring figure in the sport.
Despite McGregor’s absence from the octagon since July 2021, anticipation for his return looms large. The potential headline at UFC 300 remains uncertain, but McGregor’s legacy, including the night Woodley’s belt shared the spotlight, remains etched in UFC history.