Max Holloway has made history by becoming the first fighter to defend the UFC’s Baddest Motherf***er (BMF) belt after defeating Dustin Poirier in their trilogy bout at UFC 318. This victory marked Poirier’s retirement fight and cemented Holloway’s status within the unique BMF division, drawing attention to the need for a clearer system to rank contenders for this special title.
Holloway’s Triumph in the Trilogy Bout Against Poirier
Over the weekend, the rivalry between Holloway and Dustin Poirier concluded with Holloway emerging victorious, finally beating the two-time rival on their third encounter. UFC 318 not only served as Poirier’s final fight but also shattered records, delivering an $8 million event boost. The bout’s significance was underscored by emotional moments after the fight, highlighting the end of ‘The Diamond’s’ storied career.
Calls for an Official BMF Ranking System
Following his historic defense, Holloway expressed frustration with the current UFC rankings and called for the introduction of a dedicated BMF ranking list. He emphasized the need for transparency in matchmaking, urging the UFC and even the fans to contribute toward establishing clear rankings for this distinct division. Holloway stated,
“We need a BMF ranking. UFC, please have a BMF ranking? I love that, you gotta work your way up. So we can let them know. I mean, I’m not saying no to Dan Hooker, but I’m just saying, can we please have a BMF ranking so we can see it?”
Actually, I don’t even know if it’s UFC. Can we get the fans to do it? Because UFC’s rankings is slacking all over the place.
— Max Holloway
This call highlights Holloway’s desire to bring more structure and legitimacy to the BMF title, which is awarded symbolically to the fighter considered the toughest on the UFC roster.
Potential Opponents and Next Steps for Holloway
Max Holloway has repeatedly shown interest in a world title fight against Ilia Topuria, viewing it as a meaningful next challenge. Should a bout with Topuria not materialize, Holloway is expected to defend his BMF title again, possibly against Dan Hooker. Despite urging for a more defined ranking system, Holloway remains open to worthy matches and seeks clarity on the UFC’s path forward.
UFC President Dana White acknowledged Holloway’s current standing:
“He just defended that BMF title. He’s ranked number four in the world [at lightweight].”
Anything is possible for Max right now.
— Dana White
Fans are also speculating about a rematch between Holloway and Charles Oliveira, which would be another highly anticipated contest given the fighters’ reputations. Whether against Hooker, Topuria, or Oliveira, Holloway aims to maintain momentum and secure high-stake bouts moving forward.
The Significance of Holloway’s Victory and Its Impact on UFC Rankings
Holloway’s successful defense of the BMF belt establishes a new precedent for the division and intensifies calls for formalized rankings that reflect fighter achievements more accurately. His push for a structured ranking of BMF contenders could influence how non-traditional UFC titles are managed, potentially affecting matchmaking strategies in the future.
As Holloway prepares for his next appearance later this year, his demands and performances continue to shape the lightweight landscape. The UFC’s response to his requests may determine the trajectory of the BMF title and the organization’s handling of special division belts moving forward.