Watch: When Conor McGregor achieved iconic champ-champ status outside the UFC
Conor McGregor became the first-ever simultaneous multi-divisional champion in the UFC with his win against Eddie Alvarez in 2016 at UFC 205. However, it wasn't the first time the Irishman achieved double-champ status in mixed martial arts.
He first did it at the Irish promotion, the Cage Warriors Fighting Championship, in 2012.
Exactly 10 years ago, 'The Notorious' fought Ivan Buchinger at Cage Warriors: 51 for the Lightweight Championship. A dominant first-round showing and knockout helped him win his eighth straight bout and secure his second championship at the promotion. All of his eight wins came via knockout or submission.
Check out the highlights of his fight against Ivan Buchinger as posted by the UFC on Twitter:
Ten Years Ago!
#OnThisDay in 2012: @TheNotoriousMMA became Champ Champ in Cage Warriors and then signed with the UFC... 🇮🇪 https://t.co/d9TKzONty6
McGregor was already the reigning Featherweight Champion at the time, having won it in his earlier fight, six months prior, against Dave Hill. Both his Cage Warriors championship fights were fought in front of his home crowd in Dublin, Ireland.
Check out the highlights of his featherweight title fight against Dave Hill on YouTube:
However, Conor McGregor never got a chance to defend either of his belts as his fight against Ivan Buchniger was his last in the promotion. His incredible form and double-champ status created buzz around Europe and the mixed martial arts world. Fans urged UFC president Dana White to sign the young prospect.
On a trip to Dublin in February 2013, White met up with Conor McGregor and soon after offered him a UFC contract. In April of the same year, McGregor made his octagon debut against Marcus Brimage and the rest is history.
Donald Cerrone compares Jake Paul to Conor McGregor
Conor McGregor's only win since 2018 came against Donald Cerrone at UFC 246. The UFC veteran recently compared YouTuber turned boxing sensation Jake Paul to the Irishman.
'Cowboy' said to Thiccc Boy in an interview:
“The Jake Paul phenomenon is kind of crazy, it’s gotten everybody calling him out and it’s kind of like the big Conor [McGregor] push. That’s what I feel like is happening with Jake Paul. Everyone is wanting to fight him, and I don’t see why they wouldn’t because that’s a big money fight. But you can’t take away [his wins]."
Cerrone also added that it would be unfair to dismiss Paul's record:
"Like everyone is saying those are like rigged fights — I think he’s hitting hard. You know what I mean? I really do think those are legitimate shots and strikes, and he’s been practicing boxing and [the results] are showing he’s whooping their asses. So I don’t think there’s any mis-hype. I think he’s got something going on there.”
Check out his comments on Twitter below:
@Cowboycerrone vs @jakepaul
Is this the next fight for Jake Paul?! ⬇️ https://t.co/AipZNFeqjq