What Happened to BMF Title (UFC)?
The BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) Title is a unique, symbolic championship introduced by the UFC in 2019, created to recognize fighters embodying toughness, exciting fighting styles, and fan appeal, rather than traditional divisional rankings. It has been held by Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and currently Charles Oliveira, who claimed the title in March 2026.
Quick Answer
The BMF Title is an unofficial UFC championship established in 2019, signifying the 'Baddest Motherf***er' in the sport, a fighter known for their grit, exciting performances, and unwavering spirit. The title has had four holders: Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and currently Charles Oliveira. Oliveira captured the belt by defeating Max Holloway at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026. As of September 11, 2026, Charles Oliveira remains the reigning BMF champion, with a scheduled defense in September 2026 being canceled due to his withdrawal.
📊Key Facts
📅Complete Timeline12 events
Nate Diaz's Callout
Following his victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241, Nate Diaz famously declared himself the 'baddest motherf***er in the game' and challenged Jorge Masvidal, sparking the idea for the BMF title.
Jorge Masvidal Becomes Inaugural BMF Champion
Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz via doctor's stoppage at UFC 244 in Madison Square Garden to become the first-ever BMF champion. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson presented the belt.
Jorge Masvidal Retires, Vacating Title
Jorge Masvidal announced his retirement from mixed martial arts, which resulted in the BMF title being vacated.
Justin Gaethje Wins Vacant BMF Title
Justin Gaethje defeated Dustin Poirier with a spectacular head-kick knockout at UFC 291, claiming the vacant BMF championship.
Max Holloway Wins BMF Title at UFC 300
Max Holloway knocked out Justin Gaethje in the final second of their fight at UFC 300, winning the BMF title in a memorable performance.
Max Holloway Loses Featherweight Title (BMF Not On Line)
Max Holloway faced Ilia Topuria for the UFC Featherweight Championship at UFC 308 and lost by knockout in the third round. The BMF title was not on the line in this bout.
Max Holloway Confirms Permanent Move to Lightweight
Max Holloway announced via Twitter his intention to permanently compete in the Lightweight division.
Max Holloway Successfully Defends BMF Title
Max Holloway became the first fighter to successfully defend the BMF title, defeating Dustin Poirier by unanimous decision in their trilogy bout at UFC 318.
UFC 326 BMF Title Fight Announced
UFC CEO Dana White announced that Max Holloway would defend the BMF championship against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026.
Charles Oliveira Becomes BMF Champion
Charles Oliveira defeated Max Holloway by unanimous decision at UFC 326, becoming the fourth BMF titleholder. Oliveira dominated the fight with his grappling.
Max Holloway vs. Conor McGregor (BMF Not On Line)
Max Holloway faced Conor McGregor in a welterweight bout at UFC 329, winning via TKO due to McGregor's knee injury. The BMF title was not contested in this fight.
Oliveira Withdraws from BMF Title Defense
Charles Oliveira was reportedly scheduled to defend his BMF title against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331, but the promotion announced Oliveira's withdrawal, with Tsarukyan facing Maurício Ruffy instead.
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🔍Deep Dive Analysis
The BMF Title, standing for 'Baddest Motherfer,' emerged from a spontaneous callout by Nate Diaz following his victory over Anthony Pettis at UFC 241 in August 2019. Diaz declared himself the 'baddest motherfer in the game' and challenged Jorge Masvidal, leading UFC President Dana White to create a special, one-off belt for their highly anticipated clash. This unique title, distinct from official divisional championships, was designed to celebrate fighters who embody raw toughness, exciting fighting styles, and a never-back-down attitude.
The inaugural BMF title fight took place at UFC 244 on November 2, 2019, in Madison Square Garden, New York, between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal. Dwayne 'The Rock' Johnson was present to wrap the custom-made belt around the winner's waist. Masvidal won the fight via doctor's stoppage due to a cut over Diaz's eye, becoming the first BMF champion. Masvidal held the title until his retirement from MMA in April 2023, at which point the belt was vacated.
The BMF title was reactivated for UFC 291 in July 2023, where Justin Gaethje faced Dustin Poirier. Gaethje secured the title with a spectacular head-kick knockout in the second round, marking the second fighter to hold the symbolic championship. His reign was short-lived, as he defended the title against Max Holloway at the landmark UFC 300 event in April 2024. In a fight widely hailed as one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history, Holloway delivered a last-second knockout in the fifth round to claim the BMF belt.
Holloway further cemented the title's legitimacy by becoming the first fighter to successfully defend it. He faced Dustin Poirier in a trilogy bout at UFC 318 on July 19, 2025, winning by unanimous decision to retain the BMF championship. However, his second defense saw him lose the title to Charles Oliveira at UFC 326 on March 7, 2026. Oliveira dominated Holloway with a grappling-heavy performance, winning by unanimous decision and becoming the fourth BMF champion.
As of September 11, 2026, Charles Oliveira is the current BMF Title holder. He was reportedly scheduled to defend the belt against Arman Tsarukyan at UFC 331 on September 19, 2026, but the UFC announced his withdrawal from the card, with Tsarukyan instead facing Maurício Ruffy. The BMF title continues to be a highly coveted, albeit unofficial, accolade that generates significant fan interest and showcases some of the most thrilling matchups in the UFC.
What If...?
Explore alternate histories. What if BMF Title (UFC) made different choices?