As far as earning a championship fight, it's pretty par for the course. Most of the time, we don't get true title eliminators. The current champions:
Cain Velasquez: Run about the same as McGregor's.
Jon Jones: Run about the same as McGregor's
Chris Weidman: Run about the same as Mcgregor's
Robbie Lawler: Tougher run than McGregor for first shot.
Anthony Pettis: Run about the same as McGregor's
Aldo: Was handed the UFC belt without fighting anyone
T.J. Dillashaw: Run worse than McGregor's. Had lost a fight in his last 3
Might Mouse: beat top guys on his road to the title fight, because the belt was decided in a tournament.