The Ultimate Fighting Championship normally awards championships through a clear divisional system. Fighters climb the rankings within a weight class, earn a title opportunity, and defend the belt against top contenders. However, one title in the organization breaks from this traditional format—the BMF belt. Unlike standard championships, it is not tied to rankings or a specific division and was created because of a unique moment in the sport rather than a long-term plan.
The belt returns to prominence at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026, where Max Holloway will defend the title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
The two fighters have history. Their first fight took place in 2015, when Holloway secured a first-round TKO victory after Oliveira suffered an injury while attempting a takedown. Now, more than a decade later, both athletes have established legendary careers, and the BMF title again becomes the focal point of their rivalry.
## What the BMF belt represents
The letters “BMF” stand for “Baddest Motherf—r,” a phrase meant to symbolize toughness, durability, and a fighter’s willingness to step into intense battles that excite fans. The belt represents the spirit of entertainment and fearless fighting rather than dominance within a specific weight class.
The idea for the title emerged in 2019 after Nate Diaz defeated Anthony Pettis at UFC 241. Following the victory, Diaz grabbed the microphone and declared himself the toughest fighter in the sport. He then suggested defending that claim against Jorge Masvidal.
The timing of that callout was perfect. Masvidal had just delivered one of the most shocking knockouts in MMA history, stopping Ben Askren in just five seconds earlier that year. He had also earned a major victory over Darren Till. With both fighters gaining massive attention, UFC president Dana White decided to turn the moment into something special.
Instead of treating the matchup as a standard bout, the promotion introduced a symbolic championship belt specifically for the fight. That decision officially created the BMF title.
## The first BMF championship fight
The inaugural BMF title bout took place at UFC 244 in November 2019 at Madison Square Garden. The event carried a unique atmosphere. Actor and former wrestler Dwayne Johnson entered the Octagon carrying the new belt and was present during the ceremonial face-offs, adding extra spectacle to the event.
The fight itself delivered excitement from the start. Masvidal opened aggressively, landing powerful strikes and even rocking Diaz with a head kick. Diaz, known for his endurance and resilience, continued to push forward while engaging in his usual trash talk.
However, the contest ended unexpectedly after the third round when a severe cut above Diaz’s eye forced the ringside doctor to stop the fight. Although fans hoped for a different conclusion, the result stood, and Masvidal became the first BMF champion.
## BMF champions in UFC history
Since its introduction, only a few fighters have held the symbolic title:
* Jorge Masvidal – Won the belt on November 2, 2019, and held it for 1,291 days while competing in the welterweight division.
* Justin Gaethje – Captured the title on July 29, 2023, and held it for 259 days at lightweight.
* Max Holloway – Won the belt on April 13, 2024, and has defended it once against Dustin Poirier.
Masvidal eventually vacated the title after announcing his retirement from MMA following UFC 287.
## Revival of the BMF belt
After Masvidal’s victory in 2019, the BMF belt disappeared from the spotlight for nearly four years. The UFC did not immediately schedule another fight for the title, instead waiting for a matchup that captured the same spirit.
That opportunity came at UFC 291 when Poirier and Gaethje faced each other in a highly anticipated rematch.
Their first meeting in 2018 had been a brutal five-round battle that ended with Poirier winning by TKO. By 2023, both fighters had grown into major stars, each holding interim lightweight championships at different times and both having fought dominant champions such as Khabib Nurmagomedov and Charles Oliveira.
The rematch produced another dramatic finish. In the second round, Gaethje delivered a perfectly timed head kick that knocked Poirier out. Masvidal then entered the cage to personally place the BMF belt around Gaethje’s waist, symbolically passing the title to the new champion.
## How the BMF belt differs from traditional UFC titles
The main distinction between the BMF belt and standard UFC championships lies in its structure. Regular titles follow strict rules tied to rankings and weight divisions. Fighters must earn their position through wins and then defend the championship against leading contenders.
The BMF title operates differently. It is not limited to a particular weight class and does not require fighters to hold a specific ranking. Instead, the UFC awards the belt when a matchup embodies the spirit of the title—fighters known for aggression, durability, and entertaining fighting styles.
Although the belt can technically be defended, those defenses occur only when the promotion determines that a fight fits the identity of the title.
That situation arises again at UFC 326, where Holloway will defend the belt against Oliveira. BMF fights rarely turn into cautious, tactical battles. They usually become high-action contests that fans remember for years, and if Holloway and Oliveira deliver the kind of chaos many expect, the BMF title will once again highlight why it remains one of the most distinctive honors in mixed martial arts.