As UFC 318 draws near, all eyes are on the highly anticipated BMF title clash between Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier. Beyond the thrilling combat that promises to unfold, a unique tradition often sparks debate among fans and pundits: who will have the distinct honor of wrapping the `Baddest Motherf***er` belt around the victorious fighter? This ceremonial act, often performed by figures outside the immediate octagon, adds a layer of intrigue to an already high-stakes encounter.
The Legacy of the BMF Title: More Than Just Gold
The BMF belt, introduced in 2019, quickly carved out a niche in the Ultimate Fighting Championship. It’s not a traditional divisional championship, but rather a symbolic recognition of the fighter deemed the most audacious, the most entertaining, and, indeed, the “baddest.” The inaugural belt was famously awarded to Jorge Masvidal after his bout with Nate Diaz at UFC 244, with none other than Hollywood icon Dwayne `The Rock` Johnson presenting the hardware. Since then, figures like Masvidal himself and UFC legend Mark Coleman have continued the tradition, adding a touch of grandeur and personal significance to the title`s presentation.
Now, with Holloway set to defend his recently acquired BMF title against Dustin Poirier – a man hinting at this potentially being his final dance in the octagon – the question of who bestows this unique accolade once again takes center stage.
Daniel Cormier Weighs In: Celebrity or Sentiment?
Former two-division UFC champion and prominent commentator Daniel Cormier recently offered his insights on the matter, presenting suggestions that span from celebrity endorsement to deeply personal connections. Cormier’s proposals underscore the dual nature of the BMF title: a spectacle for the masses and a deeply meaningful achievement for the fighter.
The Poirier Scenario: A Lyrical Send-Off?
Should Dustin Poirier emerge victorious at UFC 318, potentially marking a triumphant end to a storied career, Cormier has a very specific idea for the belt presenter. Given Poirier’s recent revelation that he plans to walk out to the octagon with acclaimed rapper Lil Wayne, Cormier sees a poetic symmetry. “If Lil Wayne is walking him out, Lil Wayne should walk out there and put the belt on Dustin Poirier,” Cormier stated. It`s an interesting proposition: the `Diamond` crowned by a `Weezy`. While it certainly adds a splash of celebrity appeal, one might ponder if the “baddest” fighter truly requires a musical accompaniment for his ultimate coronation. Perhaps the irony lies in the juxtaposition of raw combat and a platinum-selling artist.
The Holloway Scenario: A Family Affair
For Max Holloway, who captured the BMF belt with a highlight-reel knockout at UFC 300, Cormier’s suggestion takes a more intimate turn. Referencing Holloway’s recent loss to Ilia Topuria at UFC 309 – a defeat that clearly weighed heavily on the Hawaiian star and his close circle – Cormier advocates for a family member to present the belt. “I’d let his wife do it because they’re so close, and she means so much,” Cormier emphasized. “I would let Max’s wife do it because I saw how sad they were after the last fight.”
This sentiment extends to Holloway’s son as well. Cormier articulated the profound impact of such a gesture: “It’s not just Max fighting. It’s his entire team, his entire family. I would let his wife or his son do it. It’s gotta be one of those two to strap the belt on that man because I know what it meant when I walked into that locker room after that Ilia loss, I know what it would mean to one of them to do it.”
Indeed, Holloway`s wife, professional surfer Alessa Quizon, is no stranger to the spotlight or to her husband`s intense world. After Holloway`s stunning victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, he famously handed the BMF belt directly to Quizon in the Octagon. His post-fight comments further illuminated their bond: “She looked like John Wick,” Holloway quipped, adding, “She inspired me—I was like, I gotta go out there and be an assassin…” This deep personal connection aligns perfectly with Cormier’s vision of a presentation that truly resonates with the fighter`s journey, acknowledging the shared sacrifices and triumphs that underpin a career at the pinnacle of mixed martial arts.
The Final Verdict Awaits
As UFC 318 looms, the stage is set for a monumental showdown. Whether it’s the poetic justice of a musical icon crowning a potential retiree or the intimate symbolism of a family member honoring a resilient champion, the presentation of the BMF belt will undoubtedly add another memorable chapter to its burgeoning legacy. Fans eagerly await not just the outcome of this pivotal fight, but also the identity of the individual chosen to bestow the unique honor of being called the `Baddest Motherf***er` in the UFC.
Percy Harlow