Les combattants de l'UFC peuvent-ils garder leurs ceintures? Une RÉUSSITE extraordinaire! Cela vous SURPREND?

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. The UFC Belt System
   1. The Classic Championship Belt
   2. The Legacy Championship Belt
3. Collecting Belts: How Many Can a Fighter Get?
4. Special Features of the Legacy Championship Belt
   1. Country Representations
   2. 25th Anniversary Symbolism
   3. Victory Stones and Etchings
5. The Implications of Being an Undisputed Champion
   1. Keeping the Belts
   2. Vacant Belts and Promotions
6. Longest Reigns in UFC History
   1. Anderson Silva's Memorable Run
   2. The Duration of Inactivity and Belt Retention
7. Stripping Interim Belts and Inactivity
8. FAQ

🏆 UFC Champions: Keeping the Belts

Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to Front Kicked MMA! Today, we delve into the captivating world of UFC championship belts. Every UFC fighter dreams of having that iconic gold strap wrapped tightly around their waist, marking them as one of the select few to etch their name in the annals of history. But what happens to those belts once they are won? Do fighters get to keep them? In this article, we explore the ins and outs of the UFC belt system, the unique features of the legacy championship belt, and the implications of being an undisputed champion. So, fasten your seatbelts as we embark on this exhilarating journey through the realms of MMA glory!

1. Introduction

In the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), obtaining a championship belt is the pinnacle of success for any fighter. There are two types of belts that have been used in the UFC: the classic championship belt and the legacy championship belt. The classic belt was used from 2001 to 2018, while the legacy belt was introduced in honor of the UFC's 25th anniversary. Let's take a closer look at both belts and how they play a role in a fighter's journey.

2. The UFC Belt System

2.1 The Classic Championship Belt

The classic championship belt, which was the mainstay before 2019, may look more familiar to long-time MMA fans. It has a timeless design that has become synonymous with the UFC. However, there is a general consensus that, in comparison to its successor, the legacy belt, it lacks the visual flair and uniqueness that the latter offers.

2.2 The Legacy Championship Belt

The legacy championship belt, introduced in 2018, is a visual masterpiece that captures the essence of each individual fighter. Every detail, from the country representations to the weight class and number of title defenses, is carefully etched onto the belt. This level of customization makes the belt all the more special for the athletes who proudly wear it. The legacy belt has grown in popularity among MMA fans over the past few years, and its distinct features truly set it apart.

3. Collecting Belts: How Many Can a Fighter Get?

When it comes to collecting belts, there are certain scenarios that can lead a fighter to possess multiple championship titles. For instance, if a fighter manages to become a simultaneous two-division champion, like Conor McGregor, they would have received a belt for each weight class they conquered. McGregor famously boasted about it, declaring that he would wrap one belt on each shoulder, daring anyone to take them from him.

4. Special Features of the Legacy Championship Belt

The legacy championship belt is a masterpiece of craftsmanship, filled with symbolic elements that honor the rich history of the UFC. Let's explore some of its captivating features:

4.1 Country Representations

The belt showcases the flags of the first eight countries that had a UFC champion. Each country's flag is proudly displayed, commemorating their contribution to the sport. Additionally, the inaugural year of the UFC is depicted at the bottom of the belt, represented in roman numerals.

4.2 25th Anniversary Symbolism

To celebrate the UFC's 25th anniversary, the belt features 25 stones around the center plate. These stones symbolize the journey of the UFC and serve as a reminder of the organization's longevity in the world of mixed martial arts.

4.3 Victory Stones and Etchings

The legacy belt consists of two plates, one on each side, shaped like an octagon to represent the UFC's iconic fighting arena. Each plate has space for eight stones, which are added or replaced after every victory in a championship bout. These stones, along with the accompanying etchings, indicate the date and location of each triumph, creating a visual timeline of a fighter's championship journey.

5. The Implications of Being an Undisputed Champion

Becoming an undisputed champion in the UFC comes with its fair share of implications. Let's delve into what happens when a fighter achieves this milestone.

5.1 Keeping the Belts

During the era of the classic belt, fighters were entitled to keep each belt they obtained throughout their reign. However, with the introduction of the legacy belt, things changed. Now, a fighter keeps only one belt, which they continue to adorn with rubies for each subsequent championship win.

5.2 Vacant Belts and Promotions

When a fighter becomes an undisputed champion but decides to retire or is inactive for an extended period, the title becomes vacant. In such cases, if there is an interim champion, they may be promoted to the undisputed champion status. Otherwise, the UFC organizes a fight between the top contenders in the division to determine the new champion. The victorious fighter is then awarded a new legacy championship belt of their own.

6. Longest Reigns in UFC History

Throughout UFC's storied history, there have been several fighters who have reigned supreme in their divisions for extended periods. One such legendary figure is Anderson Silva, who held the Middleweight Championship for an astonishing 2,457 days, which translates to over six years! While this record speaks to the dominance Silva showcased, it does not directly address the question at hand: how long can a fighter hold a belt while being inactive?

6.1 Anderson Silva's Memorable Run

... ...

(Resources: UFC Official Website)