Conor McGregor shares six-word reaction looking back at iconic moment after becoming double champion
Conor McGregor has not reigned over a UFC division since 2018 but remains the most influential fighter in the sport. Eight years after becoming the first simultaneous two-division champion in the promotion, McGregor reflected on his historic moment.
'The Notorious' became the UFC lightweight champion in 2016 after finishing Eddie Alvarez in the second round at UFC 205. The 35-year-old gave his thoughts on the moment on June 27 with a quote-tweet of a fan posting the image of the moment McGregor received his second belt.
McGregor tweeted:
"Dream as big as you dare!"
The post came two days before McGregor was scheduled to make his return at UFC 303. The Irishman was expected to headline the International Fight Week card against Michael Chandler nearly three years after breaking his leg in his last fight in the Octagon.
Instead of making his highly-anticipated return, the former champion suffered a setback in training. As he announced on social media following the report of his withdrawal, McGregor broke his toe from kicking an elbow during a sparring session.
Conor McGregor's impact: Who are the other simultaneous two-division champions in UFC history?
Conor McGregor has left a lasting impact on the UFC in more than one way but his rise to stardom has left a lucrative blueprint that many have tried to follow. His success in becoming a two-division champion is perhaps the most influential in the promotion, as defending champions now consistently push to chase the same status.
Since McGregor became the first self-coined "champ champ" in UFC history, three other fighters have achieved the rare feat. Daniel Cormier, Henry Cejudo and Amanda Nunes are the only three other fighters to be a part of the exclusive list.
Several other fighters have tried and failed to join the group. Most recently, Alexander Volkanovski twice fought and lost against lightweight champion Islam Makhachev in 2023 as the active featherweight king.