Jorge Masvidal of the United States is awarded the belt by Dwayne "the Rock" Johnson after his victory by TKO on a medical stoppage against Nate Diaz of the United States in the Welterweight "BMF" championship bout during UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden on November 02, 2019 in New York City. (Photo by Steven Ryan/Getty Images)
10 MMA Fighters Deserving of the BMF Championship in the UFC
As Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje gear up for their highly anticipated rematch, the UFC lightweight mainstays are not just fighting for victory; they will also compete for the vacant and symbolic BMF (Baddest Motherf**ker) title.
The BMF championship holds a special place in the hearts of UFC fans, embodying the essence of fearless and tenacious fighters who leave it all in the octagon.
With Jorge Masvidal relinquishing the title upon his retirement, the stage is set for Poirier and Gaethje to determine the next BMF champion at UFC 291 on July 29th, 2023. In light of this exciting matchup, let’s take a closer look at ten MMA fighters deserving of the prestigious BMF championship, including legends like Royce Gracie and Chuck Liddell, charismatic personalities like Chael Sonnen and Jon Jones, and other formidable contenders according to our selection.
1. Royce Gracie: The Groundbreaking Pioneer
A true pioneer of MMA, Royce Gracie is one of the founding fathers of the sport. He showcased the effectiveness of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu in the early days of the UFC, submitting larger opponents with ease. Gracie’s dominance and fearlessness inside the octagon make him a prime candidate for the BMF title. He famously won three of the first four UFC tournaments, demonstrating his exceptional grappling skills and warrior spirit.
2. Chuck Liddell: The Knockout Artist
A knockout artist and fan favorite, Chuck Liddell was known for his relentless aggression and ferocious striking. With a highlight reel filled with devastating knockouts, “The Iceman” exemplified the BMF spirit, always willing to stand toe-to-toe with any opponent. Liddell’s legendary trilogy with Tito Ortiz and his reign as the UFC light heavyweight champion make him an iconic figure in MMA history.
3. Chael Sonnen: The Master of Trash Talk
Charismatic and never shy of trash-talking, Chael Sonnen was a master of building hype for his fights. His unwavering confidence and tenacity inside the cage made him a fierce competitor and a true BMF candidate. Sonnen’s epic verbal battles with Anderson Silva and his impressive grappling skills made him a force to be reckoned with during his time in the UFC.
4. Jon Jones: The Dominant Champion
Widely regarded as one of the greatest fighters in MMA history, Jon Jones has dominated the light heavyweight division for years. His versatile skill set, combined with an unyielding desire to compete against the best, makes him a prime candidate for the BMF championship. Jones’ rivalry with Daniel Cormier and his numerous title defenses solidify his place among the all-time greats. Most recently, Jones captured the heavyweight throne with a dominant victory over Ciryl Gane, cementing his position as one of the most formidable forces in the sport.
5. BJ Penn: The Prodigy with a Warrior Spirit
With a relentless fighting spirit and a diverse skill set, BJ Penn earned his place among the all-time greats in MMA. “The Prodigy” was never one to back down from a challenge, and his willingness to take on any opponent puts him in contention for the BMF title. Penn’s two-division champion status and memorable battles with the likes of Matt Hughes and Georges St-Pierre make him a true icon of the sport.
6. Amanda Nunes: The Lioness with Unmatched Dominance
As the most dominant female fighter in UFC history, Amanda Nunes has left a trail of defeated opponents in her wake. The two-division champion’s incredible knockout power and well-rounded skill set make her a deserving contender for the BMF championship. Nunes’ victories over Ronda Rousey, Cris Cyborg, and Holly Holm cement her status as a true BMF candidate. The UFC two-division women’s champion retired following victory over Irene Aldana at UFC 289. However, the memories she scripted inside the octagon will continue to leave on in the hearts of MMA fans.
7. Tony Ferguson: The Unorthodox Warrior
Known for his unorthodox fighting style and durability, Tony Ferguson has shown time and again that he is one of the toughest fighters in the lightweight division. His relentless pace and ability to weather adversity make him a deserving BMF contender. Ferguson’s 12-fight winning streak and his exciting fighting style have earned him respect among fans and fellow fighters.
8. Robbie Lawler: The Welterweight Warrior
A true warrior in the welterweight division, Robbie Lawler’s ferocious striking and ironclad resolve have made him a fan favorite. His memorable wars inside the octagon and his never-give-up mentality qualify him as a BMF candidate. Lawler’s epic battles with Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit are etched in MMA history.
9. Max Holloway: The Volume Striker with Heart
Max Holloway’s relentless volume striking and heart in battles have made him one of the most exciting fighters to watch. His ability to engage in high-paced wars while showing incredible durability places him among the BMF-worthy fighters. Holloway’s dominant reign as the UFC featherweight champion and his epic battles with Jose Aldo solidify his position as a top contender for the BMF title.
10. Nate Diaz: The Original BMF Champion
The original BMF champion, Nate Diaz, won the inaugural title in a highly anticipated matchup against Jorge Masvidal. Diaz’s fearless attitude and never-say-die mentality have endeared him to fans worldwide, solidifying his status as a true BMF. His classic battles with Conor McGregor and his willingness to step up on short notice have made him a fan favorite.
As Poirier and Gaethje prepare to face off in their high-stakes rematch for the vacant BMF championship, they join an illustrious list of fighters who embody the BMF spirit. While the winner of this matchup will rightfully claim the title, these ten fighters have left an indelible mark on the sport of MMA and are all deserving of the prestigious BMF championship recognition. Their fearlessness, relentless drive, and exciting fighting styles have earned them a place among the baddest motherf**kers in the history of the UFC.
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