Lire en français : la ceinture BMF de l’UFC expliquée
Every few years, the UFC puts a very special belt on the line: the BMF title. It is not an official divisional championship, yet it has become one of the most coveted prizes in the sport. So what is the BMF belt, who has held it, and why does it matter ahead of Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes at UFC 335? Here is everything you need to know.
Quick answer:
BMF stands for “Baddest Motherf***er”. The belt is a symbolic UFC title for the toughest, most entertaining fighter in the sport.
It was created for Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in 2019.
The current BMF champion is Charles Oliveira, who defends it against Diego Lopes on December 12, 2026.
Where the BMF title came from
The idea came from Nate Diaz. After beating Anthony Pettis in 2019, he said he was the “baddest motherf***er” in the game, and Jorge Masvidal answered the challenge. The fight was so hyped that Dana White ordered a custom belt, presented at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Masvidal won when the doctor stopped the fight after the third round.
Every BMF title fight
| Event | Fight | Winner |
|---|---|---|
| UFC 244 (2019) | Masvidal vs. Diaz | Jorge Masvidal (doctor stoppage) |
| UFC 291 (2023) | Gaethje vs. Poirier 2 | Justin Gaethje (head-kick KO) |
| UFC 300 (2024) | Gaethje vs. Holloway | Max Holloway (KO in the final second) |
| UFC 318 (2025) | Holloway vs. Poirier 3 | Max Holloway (decision) |
| UFC 326 (2026) | Holloway vs. Oliveira 2 | Charles Oliveira (decision) |
| UFC 335 (2026) | Oliveira vs. Lopes | December 12 |
Max Holloway’s knockout of Gaethje at UFC 300, landed with one second left after Holloway pointed to the canvas to invite a final exchange, is already one of the most famous moments in UFC history.
Is the BMF belt a real title?
Not in the official sense. The BMF title does not change the rankings, and its holder is not the divisional champion. Most BMF fights have taken place at lightweight, but the belt has no fixed weight class. Its value comes from what it represents: fighters who never back down and always put on a show. The fights are five rounds, like title fights, and the purses and visibility are those of a main event.
Oliveira vs. Lopes: the next BMF fight
At UFC 335 in Las Vegas, Charles Oliveira, the UFC record holder for submissions and finishes, makes his first BMF defense against Diego Lopes, a two-time featherweight title challenger making his lightweight debut. Lopes recently stopped Jean Silva and Steve Garcia, and his aggressive style makes him a natural BMF contender. The co-main event features Alex Pereira against Sergei Pavlovich at heavyweight.
FAQ
What does BMF stand for in the UFC?
“Baddest Motherf***er”, a nickname used by Nate Diaz before his 2019 fight with Jorge Masvidal.
Who is the current BMF champion?
Charles Oliveira, since beating Max Holloway at UFC 326 in March 2026.
Who has won the BMF belt?
Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway and Charles Oliveira.