In the dynamic world of mixed martial arts, where championships signify peak athletic achievement, the UFC’s BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title occupies a curious position. It`s not a traditional world title, yet it commands attention, sparking debate and delivering memorable moments. As Max Holloway prepares to defend this unique accolade against Dustin Poirier in the highly anticipated UFC 318 main event, the spotlight once again falls on what this belt truly represents.
A Belt For Bragging Rights: The BMF`s Singular Path
Introduced in 2019, the BMF title was conceived as a special, one-off championship for a clash between two of the sport`s most uncompromising fighters. It quickly transcended its initial purpose, becoming a symbol of grit, toughness, and an undeniable willingness to engage in thrilling, high-stakes battles. Max Holloway, fresh off a stunning knockout victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, now holds the distinction of being the second fighter to wear the BMF strap, following Gaethje`s brief reign after Jorge Masvidal, the inaugural champion.
What sets the BMF title apart, beyond its audacious name, is its history of never being successfully defended. Both Masvidal and Gaethje failed to retain it after their initial wins. Holloway now stands on the precipice of making history, potentially becoming the first to break this peculiar streak. This upcoming defense against Dustin Poirier marks only the fourth time the BMF title has been on the line, further cementing its infrequent, almost mythical, appearance in the octagon.
Legends Collide: Holloway vs. Poirier – Beyond the Belt
The matchup between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier is compelling regardless of any hardware. These are two of the most respected and consistently exciting fighters in UFC history. Their previous encounters have been instant classics, showcasing their iron wills and diverse skill sets. For Holloway, a celebrated former featherweight champion who recently requested removal from the 145lb rankings to fully commit to the lightweight division, this fight is a testament to his ambition and willingness to challenge himself against the elite. His remarkable career at featherweight, where he reigns as one of the division`s greatest, now transitions into a new chapter.
Dustin Poirier, a perennial lightweight contender, has long been a fan favorite known for his thrilling wars and philanthropic efforts. Despite an incredible career filled with highlight-reel finishes and main event victories, an undisputed UFC world championship has eluded `The Diamond`. This BMF title fight, while not fulfilling that ultimate ambition, offers another high-profile moment and a chance to add a unique piece of gold to his storied career, potentially before considering retirement. The stakes, therefore, transcend the BMF belt, touching upon legacy, final chapters, and the pursuit of greatness.
The Champion`s Critique: Tom Aspinall`s Candid Assessment
Amidst the fanfare surrounding the BMF title, a dissenting voice has emerged from an unexpected corner: current UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall. Known for his straightforward demeanor and sharp technical insights, Aspinall minced no words in his assessment of the BMF belt`s actual value, particularly when held by fighters of Holloway and Poirier`s caliber.
“Do you want my honest opinion (on the title)? I mean, it’s a title but it’s not a world championship so what are we doing?” Aspinall questioned, expressing a sentiment shared by many purists within the sport. “These guys don’t need a title, they’re two legends of the sport, look at the name value, even look at the rankings, look at the amount of fights they’ve got, look at the shorts they’re wearing, we don’t really need a title on the line, to be honest.”
Aspinall`s critique offers a pragmatic perspective. For fighters with established legacies, a belt that doesn`t signify undisputed divisional supremacy might appear somewhat redundant. His point is, in essence, that the inherent greatness of Holloway and Poirier is self-evident; their fights are compelling because of who they are, not because of a novelty belt. It`s a subtle jab at the UFC`s marketing strategy, suggesting that true legends sell themselves.
The BMF title, therefore, remains a fascinating paradox. It delivers highly anticipated matchups and contributes to the spectacle that defines the UFC. Yet, it also sparks a legitimate conversation about the very nature of championships and what truly elevates a fighter`s status. As Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier prepare to once again step into the octagon, the BMF belt will undoubtedly add an extra layer of intrigue. However, as Tom Aspinall shrewdly points out, the real championship on display is the enduring legacy, skill, and sheer “baddassery” of two of the sport`s undeniable legends, with or without a shiny, controversial piece of hardware.
Rupert Hartwell 
Benedict Kingsley