What does BMF mean in UFC?

The BMF belt in the UFC is a unique, unofficial title that emerged almost by accident. It started after UFC 241 in August 2019, when Nate Diaz fought Anthony Pettis. In his post-fight excitement, Diaz told Joe Rogan he was "fighting for the Baddest Mother****er in the game belt," and claimed it as his own.

The UFC quickly realized the marketing potential of the idea and officially created the BMF belt. Since then, several of the toughest fighters in the organization have competed for the title, each trying to lay claim to the BMF name. Only one person has claimed and defended it.

The BMF title's first official event

While the idea behind the BMF is anecdotal, it has already built a lineage, coupled with fan expectation and excitement. The UFC did not grant Diaz his coveted BMF title right away, however, but offered him an opportunity to fight for it at UFC 244, which is precisely what happened.

Diaz walked into the octagon at Madison Square Garden in New York City, New York, on November 2, 2019, and faced off against Jorge Masvidal. The bout went Masvidal’s way, with the winner becoming the first officially recognized holder of the BMF title.

Masvidal never defended the BMF title and ultimately lost it when he retired, at which point the UFC officially stripped him of the belt.

What happened after Masvidal’s BMF belt was up for grabs?

The belt remained vacant until UFC 291, when Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje fought for it, which would then lead to more frequent bouts for the belt afterwards.

Gaethje secured the title after he knocked out his opponent, and went on to try and defend it in UFC 300 against Max Holloway, who one-upped him and secured the belt, winning the bragging rights to be the UFC’s "BMF."

Poirier, however, did try to secure the belt once again at UFC 318, taking on Holloway, and falling short.

This had been the third fight between the two men and the first for the BMF belt between them, with Poirier winning the previous two, but ironically Holloway dominating at the end of the trilogy, and also succeeding in the first BMF title defense in the sport’s history.

What is next for the BMF title?

Max Holloway remains the title holder as of early 2026. He is due to defend it again at UFC 326 against Charles Oliveira, as confirmed in a press release in December 2025.

Stay tuned to Casino Guru News to find out more exciting news and developments about upcoming bouts involving the Baddest Mother****er title and who currently holds it.

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