UFC reveals new Legacy Championship Belt ahead of its new era with ESPN+

For the times they are a-changin‘.

This classic Bob Dylan song relates to many a thing, especially when talking about starting anew. The UFC is taking that to heart.

Before Henry Cejudo defends his UFC Flyweight Belt against Bantamweight Champion T.J. Dillashaw at the Barclays Center, Dana White and the UFC decided to change things up. A new championship belt for all fighters has been created, with the new design debuting after the main event tomorrow during their ESPN+ debut.

This one's for Legacy.

The NEW UFC Legacy Championship Belt will debut Saturday night! #UFCBrooklyn pic.twitter.com/cZwuwkT3qz

— UFC (@ufc) January 18, 2019

https://twitter.com/ufc/status/1086275509623771136

As you can see, there are more pieces to this belt compared to the original one. The front of the belt has eight flags, to represent the first eight countries that created champions. The new design will have custom nameplates on the side for the winners of the fight, along with their weight class and the country they represent. Each time they successfully defend the title they will be given a red stone to be added to the side of it.

One interesting thing to come out of it will be the elimination of multiple belts from multiple title defenses. This gives the owner of the belt the idea that it is their personal property. The belt can be compared to the WWE Universal Title that was debuted in Brooklyn not too long ago or Thanos’ Infinity Gauntlet.

The belt has gotten mixed reactions, from favorable reviews from fighters like Conor McGregor to an online roast session by fans. It will take some time to get used to. One thing is for sure: controversy creates cash, and thanks to the UFC’s new deal with ESPN, plenty of that will be going around.

You can catch Cejudo v. Dillashaw this Saturday, January 19th on ESPN+. Tickets are still available at the Barclays Center box office and Ticketmaster.com.