In mixed martial arts, championships usually have a distinct structure of rankings, weight divisions, and required challengers. In 2019, though, the UFC did something new: they made a title that wasn’t attached to a division, a belt that wasn’t recognised by any commission, and a championship that was more about attitude than rules. The BMF belt, which stands for “Baddest Motherf**ker,” is the name for this championship. It has since become one of the most talked-about ideas in UFC history.
You’re at the right place if you want to know what the BMF belt is, how it started, who has held it, and if it really means anything in the UFC’s competitive scene.
The Origin of the BMF Belt in UFC
The story of the BMF title begins with Nate Diaz. Diaz came back to the Octagon in 2019 after a long break and beat Anthony Pettis at UFC 241. Diaz famously said in his post-fight interview that he wasn’t just another contender; he was the “baddest motherf**ker in the game.” That unscripted moment set off a firestorm among fans and the press. It wasn’t just a statement; it was a challenge.
Diaz then called out Jorge Masvidal, who had just knocked out Ben Askren in a record-breaking five seconds. Fans were interested in the contest, there was a lot of excitement about it, and it had an edge that went beyond the typical title implications. The UFC saw a chance and took advantage of it by making the BMF belt official for their fight at UFC 244. The fight occurred at Madison Square Garden, where Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson gave the winner the belt. There was no doubt about it: this was more than just a gimmick; it was a thing based on respect, violence, and the spirit of fighting.
What the BMF Title Represents
The BMF belt is different from other championships like the UFC Lightweight Championship or Featherweight Championship because it doesn’t have weight classes, rankings, or official governing bodies. That’s what makes it so special. The belt is there to honor warriors who are known for being tough, determined, and eager to fight even when there’s nothing to gain.
The BMF belt isn’t just about being the best fighter in a division; it’s also about being the kind of fighter who will fight anyone, anywhere, and never back down. It honors competitors who always put on great shows, fight dangerous opponents, and reflect what many fans think is the “true spirit” of MMA. The official titles are based on merit and standings, but the BMF title is based on character, guts, and showmanship.
The History and Lineage of BMF Titleholders
The BMF belt is one of the rarest and most exclusive championships in UFC history because it has only been given out a few times. Jorge Masvidal was the first fighter to win it. He beat Nate Diaz at UFC 244 after the fight was stopped by a doctor because of a nasty cut. Even though the fight ended in a dispute, there was no mistake that Masvidal was in charge of the Octagon that night.
Justin Gaethje was the second BMF champion. He won the title by knocking out Dustin Poirier at UFC 291 in July 2023 with a powerful head kick. Gaethje was a great fit for the title since he was known for his all-action style and ruthless speed. He was everything the BMF belt was designed to be.
After beating Gaethje at UFC 300, Max Holloway became the third fighter to win the BMF title. Holloway stood in the middle of the cage at the end of the fifth round and pointed to the ground, inviting for a final exchange. This is one of the most famous moments in UFC history. He put Gaethje out cold with one second left, making him the BMF champion. The moment went viral, which made the belt gain even more significance in the community.
Is the BMF Belt an Official UFC Title?
Despite being created and promoted by the UFC, the BMF belt is not an official title in the traditional sense. It is not governed by divisional rankings, and fighters do not become eligible for it by climbing a ladder of contenders. There are no scheduled mandatory defenses, and the title can go undefended for years at a time.
However, while the BMF belt is technically unofficial, its influence and cultural weight cannot be denied. Fighters and fans take it seriously, and matchups involving the BMF title often generate massive interest. The UFC has leaned into the popularity of the belt by featuring it on major cards and making it part of high-stakes, storyline-driven fights.
Why the BMF Belt Matters in 2025
The BMF belt is more substantial than ever in 2025. Since champions often miss fights because of injuries or contract complications, the UFC needs more interesting stories than just title matches. The BMF belt does just that: it gives events a natural way to have important matches that fans can relate to.
It also lets the UFC honour athletes who may never win a divisional belt but yet do a lot for the sport. People may never call Nate Diaz, Jorge Masvidal, or Justin Gaethje “undisputed champions,” but their legacies are clear. The BMF title gives them, along with others like them, the recognition that they deserve.
