Who was the first fighter to win a UFC title in two different weight classes?

Randy Couture was the first fighter to win UFC titles in two different weight classes. Known as “The Natural,” Couture first captured the UFC heavyweight championship by defeating Maurice Smith at UFC Japan in December 1997.

Couture later moved down to light heavyweight and won that division’s title at UFC 44 in 2003, defeating Chuck Liddell by unanimous decision. That achievement made him the first fighter in UFC history to become champion in both the heavyweight and light heavyweight divisions.

The question is often confused with the later idea of a simultaneous “champ-champ.” Couture won titles in two divisions during his career, but he did not hold both belts at the same time. Conor McGregor was the first fighter to hold two UFC championship belts simultaneously, winning the lightweight title at UFC 205 after already becoming featherweight champion.

Couture’s achievement was especially notable because he later reclaimed championships in both divisions. He remains the only UFC fighter to win back both titles over the course of his career, adding to his legacy as one of the promotion’s most accomplished pioneers.