Jorge Masvidal, the first “BMF” champion, expressed admiration for current titleholder Max Holloway and entertained the idea of a potential fight between them, despite weight class challenges, highlighting the symbolic nature of the “BMF” title as a testament to fighting spirit.
Back in 2019, Jorge Masvidal kicked off the “BMF” era with a fight against Nate Diaz, becoming the first-ever “baddest motherf*cker” champion in UFC history.
UFC CEO Dana White initially said that the title, presented by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, was just for fun and not meant to last. But plans changed in 2023 when Justin Gaethje claimed the belt with a jaw-dropping knockout over Dustin Poirier.
Less than a year later, Max Holloway snatched the belt from Gaethje. In one of the most epic finishes ever, he pointed to the canvas and invited Gaethje to brawl. Holloway’s final punch sent Gaethje face-first to the mat, crowning a new “BMF” champion.
“I’m the biggest Max fan also,” Masvidal shared with MMA Fighting. “I love how he fights and carries himself outside the ring. One of my all-time favorites.”
While holding the “BMF” title, Holloway’s next challenge is in October against featherweight champ Ilia Topuria at UFC 308.
After his victory over Gaethje at UFC 300, Holloway sought to reclaim his former belt following losses to Alexander Volkanovski.
Although the “BMF” title isn’t at stake, Masvidal loves the idea of facing Holloway in a legendary showdown.
“It would be an honor to get in there with Max,” Masvidal stated. “We’d put on an epic show—one for all generations.”
Such a fight holds endless promotional possibilities, given Masvidal’s status as the original “BMF” champion and Holloway now holding that same title.
Masvidal isn’t actively pursuing this fight but can’t help but entertain the thought if the UFC approaches him.
“Me and Max could do some serious shit out there,” Masvidal said. “One ‘BMF’ has the quickest knockout ever; the other has the latest—4:59 in round five. So many intriguing aspects.”
“We’re not going to grapple. We’ll just bite down on our mouthpieces and let the leather fly. A dream match.”
A significant hurdle for this fight is weight class differences.
Holloway has mostly fought at 145 pounds but has ventured into lightweight before, including his bout against Gaethje in April.
Masvidal began at 155 pounds but now competes at welterweight, admitting it’s unlikely he’d return to his old division.
Yet, Masvidal believes that being a “BMF” means fighting anyone, anywhere—something he feels Holloway embodies too.
“It’s a lot to ask Max to move up to 155 or 170,” Masvidal admitted. “I can’t fight at 155 anymore. But I’d love to mix it up with him—Max is a legend.”