The UFC BMF Title: A Championship Like No Other
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In the world of mixed martial arts, few titles have captivated fans quite like the UFC BMF Championship. Unlike traditional belts tied to rankings and title defenses, the BMF Title, short for Baddest MotherF*cker, is a symbolic championship. Only for the most entertaining and fearless fighters in the game. It’s not about records; it’s about aura, attitude, and sheer grit.
Since its inception, only a select few have had the honor of competing for the BMF strap. The belt has been fought for at both welterweight and lightweight, awarded only to those who fight with undeniable heart and always deliver for the fans.
The History of the BMF Title
Jorge Masvidal: The Original BMF
The BMF legacy began at UFC 244 in November 2019, when Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz at welterweight in the inaugural BMF showdown. The hype was real, so much so that The Rock himself presented the belt in Madison Square Garden. Masvidal’s reign lasted an impressive 1,291 days, though he never defended the title. Ironically, the victory would be his last in the UFC; Masvidal went 0-4 afterward, including two unsuccessful bids for the UFC Welterweight Championship against Kamaru Usman.
He officially retired in 2023, and the UFC stripped him of the BMF title in May, leaving the symbolic belt without a holder, temporarily.
Justin Gaethje: The BMF Goes Lightweight
A few months after Masvidal’s retirement, the BMF title resurfaced at UFC 291 in July 2023, this time contested at lightweight. Justin Gaethje claimed the belt by knocking out Dustin Poirier with a brutal head kick in the second round.
Gaethje, known for his fan-friendly style and relentless pressure, was the perfect candidate to carry on the BMF tradition. His reign lasted 259 days, but he was unable to successfully defend the belt.
Max Holloway: The People’s Champion
At UFC 300 in April 2024, Max Holloway delivered one of the most unforgettable knockouts in UFC history. He stopped Gaethje with just one second left in a back-and-forth war. It was a KO of the Year contender, if not the decade. With that, Holloway became the third and current BMF Champion.
Holloway later defended the belt against Dustin Poirier in a highly emotional bout at UFC 318, which also served as Poirier’s retirement fight. Max became the first BMF Champion to successfully defend the belt.
What’s Next for the BMF Title?
Three fighters have now had multiple shots at the BMF crown:
- Dustin Poirier (0-2)
- Justin Gaethje (1-1)
- Max Holloway (2-0)
There was some speculation that Nate Diaz could be next in line for a second opportunity. Though no longer in the UFC, Diaz remains one of the most iconic fighters in UFC history. And being tied to the belt’s history creates an interesting story. His loss at UFC 244 was due to a cut, and a doctor stoppage. Losing in that way creates another layer to the story as well.
However, the UFC opted to give Charles Oliveira a shot at the title and a second crack at Max Holloway. The two first met in 2015 at UFC Fight Night 74, making this a full-circle moment in more ways than one, as both have since become staples of the lightweight division.
Despite the title becoming more active post-UFC 326, the question will remain relevant. Who else deserves a crack at the BMF Title? Here are a few matchups worth considering:
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