At UFC 318 in New Orleans, Dustin Poirier will challenge Max Holloway for the prestigious BMF title, aiming to claim the iconic belt in what could be his final fight inside the Octagon. UFC’s lead commentator Jon Anik has identified Dan Hooker as the most deserving contender to face Holloway next, should ‘Blessed’ successfully defend his championship.
Jon Anik Identifies Dan Hooker as the Logical Next Challenger for the BMF Title
Jon Anik recently discussed the future of the BMF title following UFC 318 on Submission Radio, suggesting that Dan Hooker stands out as the most fitting challenger if Holloway defends the belt against Dustin Poirier. Anik emphasized Hooker’s credentials across all weight divisions, highlighting the rarity of his opportunity to fight for the symbolic championship.
Dan Hooker, I think, is the most worthy fighter across every division who has never fought for the BMF title to get an opportunity to do so,
Anik said.
So a fight between Max Holloway and Dan Hooker, I think, makes a lot of sense for the BMF title were Max Holloway to successfully defend it here against Dustin Poirier.
However, Anik also expressed a preference for Holloway to pursue the lightweight championship instead of making another defense of the BMF belt, underscoring the potential impact of the lightweight title on Holloway’s legacy.
Dan Hooker Has Expressed Clear Interest in Competing for the BMF Title
Following his split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August 2024, Dan Hooker himself confirmed interest in challenging for the BMF title. Alongside aspirations to face Conor McGregor and pursue a lightweight title eliminator, Hooker voiced his ambition to claim every opportunity available to him.
Look at me now. I want them all, brother,
Hooker said during a post-fight interview with Daniel Cormier.
I want the BMF, I want Conor McGregor, I want a title eliminator. I want everything, brother. I want it all, Sean (Shelby). Woohoo.
Unfortunately, Hooker’s momentum has been paused due to a broken hand injury, which forced the cancellation of his anticipated bout against Justin Gaethje at UFC 313 in March and has sidelined him for several months.
The Significance of the BMF Title and Future Possibilities
Originally introduced for Jorge Masvidal’s fight against Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in 2019, the BMF title carries a unique legacy within the UFC. It is recognized as a symbolic championship representing toughness and resilience rather than a standard divisional belt. This month’s UFC 318 event will mark the fourth time the belt is contested, with Max Holloway currently reigning after dethroning Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
Should Holloway retain the BMF title against Dustin Poirier, a clash with Dan Hooker would not only continue the lineage but also bring a compelling matchup between two well-respected fighters. Hooker’s demonstrated readiness and enthusiasm for the belt position him as a strong candidate to reignite the BMF legacy.
As the MMA community anticipates the UFC 318 showdown, the outcome will play a critical role in shaping the future of the BMF title and potentially set up one of the next defining fights in the lightweight and BMF divisions.