UFC implement strict new rule which didn't apply to Conor McGregor

A strict new rule is in the process of being implemented in the UFC which means an achievement once done by Conor McGregor and many other MMA champions in recent years will no longer be possible.

The Notorious is one of the most recognisable faces in MMA but has not fought in the UFC since 2021.

McGregor, now aged 36, boasts a record of 22 wins from 28 fights, 19 of which were by knockout, one by submission and two by decision.

He also has six losses to his name, two of which were by knockout and four were by submission.

McGregor's last two appearances in the UFC came in 2021 with successive defeats at the hands of Dustin Poirier.

McGregor had been due to return to the Octagon with a welterweight fight against Michael Chandler at UFC 303 at the end of last June.

However, the fight was cancelled with a few weeks to go after McGregor suffered a broken toe.

One of the biggest stars in MMA history, McGregor started a trend in the UFC of holding two titles in different weight categories.

Back in November 2016, the Irishman made history by beating Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205 to win the lightweight championship, adding to the featherweight title he already held after defeating Jose Aldo.

However, it appears that no other UFC champions will be able to add a second title after an apparent rule change which did not apply when McGregor won his belts.

Conor McGregor has previously been a double UFC champion. (Image: Getty)

The news has been revealed by UFC featherweight Diego Lopes, who is aiming to claim the seemingly vacant title, has said the MMA franchise no longer allows reigning champions to defend their current titles while they try and conquer another division.

Speaking to Papa Legaspi via Bloody Elbow, he said: "They were very clear with us. They did not say they’re not giving a chance to people that are jumping from division to division. No, if you want to go up a division, you have to leave your title vacant.

“That is what has been told to all the champions who are thinking of going up a division."

It follows UFC President Dana White confirming that featherweight champion Ilia Topuria will vacate his title in a bid to take on opponents in the lightweight division and principally Islam Makhachev, therefore adding further evidence to back up the comments from Lopes that holding two belts at the same time has now been consigned to the history books.

White said that Topuria 'has felt like he’s done all he can in that division, and he feels like he’s cemented his legacy, and his body cannot make the weight anymore' as he confirmed the fighter will be vacating the featherweight belt and will be up for grabs when Alexander Volkanovski takes on Lopes.