FEATURE: The story behind UFC’s BMF Championship

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FEATURE: The story behind UFC’s BMF Championship image

Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC)

By Miguel Palaban

The ceremonial BMF Championship will once again be on the line when reigning titleholder and former UFC featherweight champion Max Holloway runs it back against ex-lightweight king Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 326.

Their highly anticipated rematch takes place at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada, on Sunday (Manila time).

But before the two elite mixed martial artists collide again inside the Octagon, it is worth revisiting the unusual history of the belt they are fighting for.

BMF Title’s lineage

The creation of the BMF Title introduced a chaotic element into the world of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

It all began during the post-fight interview of Nate Diaz with Joe Rogan after the outspoken Stockton, California native defeated former UFC lightweight champion Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 in August 2019.

Diaz seized the microphone and delivered a challenge that would echo across the sport.

“We’re fighting for the baddest mother****er in the game belt, and that’s mine. I would like to defend it against Jorge Masvidal,” he said.

Just like that, the BMF Title was born.

Unlike traditional championships, the BMF belt became a symbolic and non-divisional title. It is not tied to weight classes or official rankings.

Instead, it represents a fighter’s attitude, toughness, and willingness to engage in thrilling battles inside the cage.

Seeing the buzz surrounding Diaz’s proposal, UFC President and CEO Dana White capitalized on the hype by commissioning an actual BMF belt.

The inaugural BMF Title fight took place at UFC 244 in November 2019, with Dwayne Johnson presenting the belt to the winner.

Masvidal became the inaugural holder of the BMF Championship after defeating Diaz by unanimous decision that night.

The belt remained dormant for several years before Masvidal vacated it following his retirement from the sport in May 2023.

The vacant strap was then contested when Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier squared off in their rematch at UFC 291 in July 2023.

True to his nickname “The Highlight,” Gaethje knocked out Poirier with a devastating head kick in the second round to claim the title.

History was made again at UFC 300 when the BMF belt was defended for the first time. Gaethje faced Max Holloway in what quickly became one of the most memorable finishes under the promotion’s banner.

Rather than coast to a decision, Holloway pointed to the center of the Octagon and invited a final exchange. Both fighters traded wild punches until “Blessed” landed a crushing right hand that sent Gaethje face-first onto the canvas.

Holloway later became the first fighter to successfully defend the belt when he defeated Poirier by unanimous decision in their rematch at UFC 318 in July 2025.

Holloway stakes BMF crown again

Now, Max Holloway will put the BMF crown on the line once more against a familiar foe in Charles Oliveira.

The two first met in August 2015, when Holloway earned a stoppage victory after Oliveira suffered a neck injury.

Nearly a decade later, they meet again at UFC 326 with unfinished business.

There is little doubt that the matchup features two of the toughest competitors in the sport today.

Holloway is widely regarded as one of the most feared strikers in the sport and holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC history.

Oliveira, on the other hand, stands as the most prolific finisher in the organization with 21 stoppages, including 17 by submission.

When the cage door closes in Las Vegas, only one fighter will leave with the BMF Title and the right to be called the “Baddest Mother****er.”

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