The inception of the BMF (Baddest Motherf---er) title has introduced a unique and somewhat chaotic element into the UFC landscape. Unlike traditional UFC championships, which follow a clear hierarchy and lineage, the BMF title was originally created as a one-time, ceremonial accolade. It was designed to crown the “baddest motherf---er” in the sport during the highly anticipated matchup between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal at UFC 244 in 2019. Since then, however, the title has evolved into a more regularly defended prize, with notable bouts such as Max Holloway versus Charles Oliveira headlining UFC 326 on Saturday, marking the fourth official BMF fight in UFC history.
The story of the BMF title’s creation is as colorful as its name. Back in 2019, UFC 244 featured a showdown between two of the sport’s most popular and gritty fighters—Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. Neither had ever held a traditional UFC championship, but both had built reputations as tough, fan-favorite competitors known for their exciting fighting styles and larger-than-life personalities. The UFC, capitalizing on Diaz’s self-proclaimed status as “the baddest motherf---er in the game,” created this symbolic title to add intrigue and hype to the event. The ceremony was made even more memorable by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson himself presenting the belt to the victorious Masvidal, giving the title an almost mythical aura from the outset.
For several years, the BMF title remained a symbolic trophy rather than a championship to be defended regularly. Masvidal never defended the belt, and the fight was the only time the title was contested outside the lightweight division—specifically at welterweight (170 pounds). That changed in 2023 when the title resurfaced for a matchup between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, where Gaethje claimed a brutal knockout victory. The title was subsequently defended by Gaethje against Max Holloway at UFC 300, further cementing its place as a contested prize in the lightweight division. Now, as UFC 326 approaches, Holloway is set to defend the BMF title against Charles Oliveira, a former UFC lightweight champion known for his dynamic striking and elite submission skills.
The BMF title sits in a unique position within the UFC ecosystem. It is both symbolic and tangible, a prize that denotes a fighter’s status as a true fan favorite and one of the most exciting competitors in the sport. Unlike traditional titles that are strictly tied to weight classes and rankings, the BMF belt is awarded based on a fighter’s grit, popularity, and ability to deliver thrilling performances. This dual nature raises interesting questions: How do fans and fighters perceive a title that is part spectacle, part championship? How does it fit within the UFC’s broader narrative of lineage and legitimacy?
One of the original appeals of the BMF title was that it was contested between fighters who were hugely popular yet had never held official UFC gold. This was true of Diaz and Masvidal, but it has not held for subsequent competitors. Both Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje have held interim UFC titles, while Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira have been full champions. Thus, fighting for the BMF title now also signifies a fighter’s ability to captivate audiences and deliver high-stakes, memorable bouts, regardless of their championship pedigree.
The fighters who have competed for the BMF belt are some of the most electrifying in UFC history. Their records for post-fight bonuses—awarded for Fight of the Night or Performance of the Night—highlight their consistent ability to thrill fans. Jorge Masvidal has earned seven post-fight bonuses, Nate Diaz sixteen, Justin Gaethje fifteen, Dustin Poirier fifteen, Max Holloway thirteen, and Charles Oliveira a staggering twenty-one bonuses, which is the current UFC record. Oliveira also holds the record for the most wins by finish in the Octagon, with twenty-one, underscoring his reputation as a relentless and exciting finisher. Combined, these fighters have amassed an extraordinary total of 87 post-fight bonuses, a testament to the high-octane, entertaining nature of BMF fights.
The BMF title has already produced several iconic moments in UFC history. The inaugural fight saw “The Rock” himself strap the belt around Masvidal’s waist, creating a memorable spectacle. In 202