Ali became the first heavyweight champion to hold the title three times

Ali faced Leon Spinks at the Hilton Hotel in Las Vegas in February 1978. Spinks had only seven professional fights under his belt at the time and had previously fought a draw with journeyman Scott LeDoux. Ali had only sparred a few dozen rounds in preparation for the fight and was severely out of shape by the opening bell. He was defeated in a split decision.

The WBA and The Ring heavyweight championships were contested on September 15, 1978, in New Orleans by Leon Spinks and Muhammad Ali II. Following his surprising victory against Ali to become Heavyweight champion, Leon Spinks was stripped of the WBC title for failing to face the organization's number one ranked contender Ken Norton; instead, he consented to a rematch with Ali. Ali entered the rematch as a 2½ to 1 favorite. Ringside seats for the bout cost $200 ($839 in 2021 money) at the Louisiana Superdome. The card contained three other world title fights: WBA Bantamweight Champion Jorge Luján faced future WBC champion Alberto Davila, WBC Featherweight Champion Danny Lopez faced Juan Malvarez, and WBA Light Heavyweight Champion Victor Galindez faced Mike Rossman.

The event drew 70,000 spectators and a total of $6 million in admissions, making it the highest live gate in boxing history at the time. Ali won a unanimous decision in an uninspiring battle, with referee Lucien Joubert scoring rounds 10-4, judge Ernie Cojoe scoring rounds 10-4, and judge Herman Preis scoring rounds 11-4. Ali became the first heavyweight champion to hold the title three times.