In the high-stakes world of mixed martial arts, titles are not merely accessories; they represent the pinnacle of achievement, a tangible symbol of dominance. Yet, some belts carry an aura that transcends traditional championship prestige. The UFC`s `BMF` (Baddest Motherf***er) title is one such enigma, a novelty belt that has, against all odds, carved out a peculiar niche. Currently held by the undisputed “Blessed” Max Holloway, this unique championship has recently become the subject of a public spat, with Holloway expressing bewilderment over fellow fighter Ilia Topuria`s rather bold, and seemingly self-appointed, claim to its ownership.
A Belt of Unconventional Origin: The BMF Legacy
The BMF belt was introduced in 2019 for a single, highly anticipated bout between fan favorites Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Intended as a one-off spectacle, it was never meant to be a lineal championship in the traditional sense. However, its popularity endured, leading to its eventual reintroduction and a subsequent defense by Justin Gaethje against Dustin Poirier, which was then contested by Max Holloway. Holloway`s recent emphatic victory over Poirier at UFC 318 in New Orleans solidified his reign as the current, official BMF champion, a fact that makes Ilia Topuria`s latest actions all the more perplexing.
The Heart of the Matter: Holloway`s Stance
Following his impressive win, Holloway was inevitably questioned about Topuria`s public assertion – a tweet featuring a photo of Topuria with a BMF belt accompanied by the declaration, “still mine.” Holloway`s response was a masterclass in polite incredulity, laced with a hint of dry wit. “It just makes no sense what he`s doing walking around with it,” Holloway remarked, alluding to the absurdity of Topuria`s self-coronation.
Holloway`s primary point of contention is straightforward: the BMF title was demonstrably not on the line when Topuria defeated him at UFC 308 in October. That contest was a featherweight bout, where Topuria seized Holloway`s featherweight championship. The BMF title, a separate entity, was not staked in that encounter. Holloway drew a precise parallel, asking whether Islam Makhachev, who twice defeated Alexander Volkanovski, was seen parading around with Volkanovski`s featherweight belt. The answer, of course, is a resounding no, underscoring the fundamental principle that championships must be won, not merely declared.
The financial aspect also appears to irk Holloway. “Why did you spend money on a damn f***ing belt?” he questioned, noting Topuria`s apparent decision to acquire his own BMF replica. Holloway, ever the pragmatic competitor, viewed this as a peculiar financial decision. “I know you`re rich and all,” Holloway mused, “but that`s just a waste of money.” It`s a subtle jab at the perceived vanity of the gesture, suggesting that genuine championship validation comes from the octagon, not from a custom order.
Ilia Topuria`s Provocative Play: Mind Games or Misguided Confidence?
Ilia Topuria, now the reigning lightweight champion after his decisive victory over Charles Oliveira at UFC 317, has always possessed an unwavering self-belief, bordering on audacious confidence. His claim to the BMF belt could be interpreted in several ways. It might be a calculated psychological maneuver, an attempt to needle Holloway and maintain relevancy in a division he recently departed. Alternatively, it could stem from a genuine, albeit unconventional, belief that defeating the then-featherweight champion (Holloway) somehow conferred ownership of all associated titles, regardless of official stipulations. Or perhaps, and most simply, it`s just Topuria being Topuria – a fighter who believes himself to be the absolute best and sees any symbolic title as inherently belonging to him.
Beyond the BMF: A Potential Rematch on the Horizon?
While the BMF belt dispute adds an intriguing layer to their rivalry, the immediate future for Holloway and Topuria appears to diverge. Topuria has firmly established himself in the lightweight division, holding that championship, while Holloway remains the BMF standard-bearer, operating primarily at featherweight or in special BMF contests. A direct rematch, particularly with the first fight occurring a mere nine months prior, seems unlikely in the short term, given their current divisional statuses.
However, in the fluid landscape of mixed martial arts, circumstances can change rapidly. Should Topuria ever consider a return to featherweight, or if Holloway contemplates a full-time move up to lightweight, the BMF controversy could easily reignite, potentially setting the stage for a blockbuster rematch where both the lightweight title and the BMF belt could, theoretically, be on the line. Such an event would undoubtedly settle not just the championship question, but also the enduring debate over who truly embodies the “baddest” in the UFC.
The Enduring Appeal of Bragging Rights in Combat Sports
The BMF belt, and the ongoing saga between Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria, serves as a fascinating case study in the broader narrative of combat sports. Beyond the formal championships and rankings, there exists a primal desire for bragging rights, for undisputed recognition of one`s place in the pecking order. Whether through a sanctioned novelty belt or a self-proclaimed declaration, fighters will always seek to establish their dominance. For Max Holloway, the BMF belt is a symbol he fought to reclaim and defend. For Ilia Topuria, it appears to be another trophy in his self-curated collection of perceived conquests. Ultimately, this delightful squabble only adds to the drama, ensuring that whenever these two highly skilled athletes cross paths again, the stakes will be far higher than just a single piece of gold.
