Tag: BMF Title

Ilia Topuria Reacts To Max Holloway’s BMF Title Not Being On The Line At UFC 308: ‘When I Beat Him, He Can’t Say He’s A BMF’

While not officially up for grabs in the UFC 308 main event, Ilia Topuria still believes Max Holloway’s BMF status is at risk of disappearing. As has been the case for the past two calendar years, lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev was being lined up to headline the promotion’s annual pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi in […]

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Reacts To Max Holloway’s BMF Title Not Being On The Line At UFC 308: ‘When I Beat Him, He Can’t Say He’s A BMF’ at MMA News.

While not officially up for grabs in the UFC 308 main event, Ilia Topuria still believes Max Holloway’s BMF status is at risk of disappearing.

As has been the case for the past two calendar years, lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev was being lined up to headline the promotion’s annual pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi in October.

But with an injury set to keep the Dagestani sidelined until the end of the year or early 2025, the main event spotlight in the Middle East this time around will go to Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, and all-time great Holloway.

The pair will do battle for the Georgian-Spaniard’s gold, which he won at the expense of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 this past February. “Blessed,” meanwhile, garnered support for his latest chance to regain the belt by capturing the symbolic BMF strap with an emphatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Putting this matchup together hasn’t appeared to be easy, with both men accusing the other of delaying a booking. On Topuria’s part, he originally suggested that he’d only share the cage with Holloway if the Hawaiian’s BMF belt was also put on the line.

That wish hasn’t been granted, but “El Matador” claims not to be bothered…

Topuria On lack Of BMF Stakes At UFC 308: ‘I’m Just Concentrating On My Title Defense’

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Topuria looked ahead to his first defense of the featherweight gold this fall.

The champ confirmed that just his title will be up for grabs come fight night on Oct. 26. But according to Topuria, Holloway will still lose BMF status should “El Matador” deliver the kind of performance he’s expecting in the UFC 308 main event.

“The BMF title is not going to be on the line,” Topuria said. “To be honest, I don’t care. They took that decision and, at the end of the day, it’s like, when I’m going to beat him, he can’t say he’s a BMF or however they want to call him. I’m just concentrating on my title defense and that’s it. I don’t care about anything else.”

Topuria will have the chance to make good on his confident pre-fight predictions in close to two months’ time, when his newly started divisional rule meets about as tough a test possible from its first challenger.

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Reacts To Max Holloway’s BMF Title Not Being On The Line At UFC 308: ‘When I Beat Him, He Can’t Say He’s A BMF’ at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria Reacts To Max Holloway’s BMF Title Not Being On The Line At UFC 308: ‘When I Beat Him, He Can’t Say He’s A BMF’

While not officially up for grabs in the UFC 308 main event, Ilia Topuria still believes Max Holloway’s BMF status is at risk of disappearing. As has been the case for the past two calendar years, lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev was being lined up to headline the promotion’s annual pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi in […]

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Reacts To Max Holloway’s BMF Title Not Being On The Line At UFC 308: ‘When I Beat Him, He Can’t Say He’s A BMF’ at MMA News.

While not officially up for grabs in the UFC 308 main event, Ilia Topuria still believes Max Holloway’s BMF status is at risk of disappearing.

As has been the case for the past two calendar years, lightweight kingpin Islam Makhachev was being lined up to headline the promotion’s annual pay-per-view event in Abu Dhabi in October.

But with an injury set to keep the Dagestani sidelined until the end of the year or early 2025, the main event spotlight in the Middle East this time around will go to Topuria, the reigning featherweight champion, and all-time great Holloway.

The pair will do battle for the Georgian-Spaniard’s gold, which he won at the expense of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 this past February. “Blessed,” meanwhile, garnered support for his latest chance to regain the belt by capturing the symbolic BMF strap with an emphatic last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.

Putting this matchup together hasn’t appeared to be easy, with both men accusing the other of delaying a booking. On Topuria’s part, he originally suggested that he’d only share the cage with Holloway if the Hawaiian’s BMF belt was also put on the line.

That wish hasn’t been granted, but “El Matador” claims not to be bothered…

Topuria On lack Of BMF Stakes At UFC 308: ‘I’m Just Concentrating On My Title Defense’

During a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Topuria looked ahead to his first defense of the featherweight gold this fall.

The champ confirmed that just his title will be up for grabs come fight night on Oct. 26. But according to Topuria, Holloway will still lose BMF status should “El Matador” deliver the kind of performance he’s expecting in the UFC 308 main event.

“The BMF title is not going to be on the line,” Topuria said. “To be honest, I don’t care. They took that decision and, at the end of the day, it’s like, when I’m going to beat him, he can’t say he’s a BMF or however they want to call him. I’m just concentrating on my title defense and that’s it. I don’t care about anything else.”

Topuria will have the chance to make good on his confident pre-fight predictions in close to two months’ time, when his newly started divisional rule meets about as tough a test possible from its first challenger.

Continue Reading Ilia Topuria Reacts To Max Holloway’s BMF Title Not Being On The Line At UFC 308: ‘When I Beat Him, He Can’t Say He’s A BMF’ at MMA News.

Ilia Topuria demands Max Holloway put his BMF belt on the line in proposed UFC featherweight title fight

Ilia Topuria demands Max Holloway put his BMF belt on the line in proposed featherweight title fightIf it’s not for the BMF title, Ilia Topuria has no interest in fighting Max Holloway. ‘Blessed’ delivered one…

Ilia Topuria demands Max Holloway put his BMF belt on the line in proposed featherweight title fight

If it’s not for the BMF title, Ilia Topuria has no interest in fighting Max Holloway.

‘Blessed’ delivered one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history at the promotion’s landmark event in Las Vegas over the weekend, dispatching lightweight fan favorite Justin Gaethje with a booming overhand right to claim the bragging rights belt.

Max Holloway KOs Justin Gaethje

Needless to say, Holloway’s insane buzzer-beater sent the 20,000 fans inside T-Mobile Arena into an absolute frenzy. Well, everyone except Topuria who looked like he’d just seen a ghost who introduced him to his future.

Ilia Topuria reacts to Holloway's KO

Immediately following the victory, fans flocked to social media demanding that Max Holloway be the first man to challenge Ilia Topuria for the featherweight title.

During an appearance on The MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani, Topuria was open to the idea of fighting Holloway — a complete 180 from where he stood two months ago — but only on the condition that ‘Blessed’ puts his new belt up for grabs.

“Without the BMF belt [on the line], I don’t want him at all,” Topuria said. “If not, I’m gonna fight with Volk who deserves more than him, the rematch. Because he has that belt, I’m excited about that. That’s why I want him.

“He’s been saying, ‘Right now I have a lot of options.’ He doesn’t have any options. I’m the champion right now, I choose the date, I choose the place. He just has to be ready and wait for the call. Whenever I want him, he has to be ready.”

Ilia Topuria

A chance to win the BMF title has Ilia Topuria Changing his tune

Sitting on a perfect 15-0 record in MMA, ‘El Matador’ is only eight weeks removed from his stunning second-round knockout of Alexander Volkanvoski to claim the 145-pound crown at UFC 298. Even before winning the title, Topuria made it clear that he would “never” defend the belt against some of the division’s biggest names.

“Max, Yair (Rodriguez), Brian Ortega, all of them, they can go and retire. I’m never going to give them the chance to fight for the title – never,” he said in a prior interview with Helwani.

With something more to gain, it appears that Ilia Topuria has reversed his statement — at least when it comes to Holloway.

Dana White defends return of mocked BMF championship ahead of UFC 291: ‘Everybody wants that belt’

Dana White defends return of the BMF title at UFC 291 everybody wants that beltUFC president, Dana White has defended the return of the controversial BMF championship – previously held by Jorge Masvidal, claiming “everybody” under the promotion’s banner wants to clinch the symbolic championship, ahead of its return at UFC 291 in July. The championship, which was introduced into the promotion back in November 2019, was scheduled to […]

Dana White defends return of the BMF title at UFC 291 everybody wants that belt

UFC president, Dana White has defended the return of the controversial BMF championship – previously held by Jorge Masvidal, claiming “everybody” under the promotion’s banner wants to clinch the symbolic championship, ahead of its return at UFC 291 in July.

The championship, which was introduced into the promotion back in November 2019, was scheduled to feature just once inside the Octagon – with the victor of a Madison Square Garden clash between welterweight alums, Masvidal, and Nate Diaz competing for the one-and-done crown.

Securing a fourth round doctor’s stoppage TKO victory over Stockton veteran Diaz in New York in the main event of UFC 244, Masvidal managed to mint himself as the inaugural – and purported one-and-only BMF champion, before going on to drop four consecutive losses since winning the symbolic title.

However, given the Miami native’s retirement from mixed martial arts competition back in April following UFC 287, White has confirmed the title is once more up for grabs – and will take center stage between former interim lightweight champions, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje during their long-awaited rematch at UFC 291 on July 29. in Salt Lake City, Utah.

The BMF belt will be on the line once more at UFC 291 in July

Receiving criticizm for the inclusion of the symbolic title in the much-anticipated rematch of Poirier and Gaethje, White has defended the reintroduction of the symbolic belt, claiming everybody wants to clinch it.

“(Jorge) Masvidal retired so we put the BMF belt up,” Dana White told assembled media following UFC Vegas 73. “You have no idea how many of these fighters want to fight for the BMF title. They all want to fight for that belt, so, it’s fun, it’s different. So, we’ll do it again.”

“I mean, when you think about coming up with it the first time, those two were the right guys,” Dana White explained. “So, are these [Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje]. These are the two right guys for that, too. Whether that things in play or not in play, that fight is what it is. But everybody wants that belt, so, what the hell?” [H/T Essentially Sports]

Dan Hooker Responds To Dustin Poirier’s 4-Man BMF Tournament Pitch

Former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has committed to one final night in the cage before hanging up his gloves, and he’s got a unique idea in mind for his farewell. Poirier initially appeared set to call time on is career following a failed title bid opposite Islam Makhachev this past June. But while […]

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Responds To Dustin Poirier’s 4-Man BMF Tournament Pitch at MMA News.

Former interim UFC lightweight champion Dustin Poirier has committed to one final night in the cage before hanging up his gloves, and he’s got a unique idea in mind for his farewell.

Poirier initially appeared set to call time on is career following a failed title bid opposite Islam Makhachev this past June. But while his immediate comments post-submission loss at UFC 302 leaned that way, he was quick to tease a return.

And in recent weeks, “The Diamond” has confirmed that he’s not yet done and has been in search of his final matchup — or potentially two, should his recent pitch come to fruition.

During a recent interview on SiriusXM’s MMA Today show with Din Thomas and Alan Jouban, Poirier suggested a four-man tournament comprised of three former opponents of his, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Dan Hooker.

The Grand Prix-style bracket would involve BMF stakes, with Hooker being the only one of the four yet to compete with the symbolic title on the line in the UFC.

“That excites me,” Poirier said. “Because that kind of stuff is for the dogs. That’s like old Pride days or Grand Prix. That’s a real ‘BMF.’ If you can fight a tournament in one night, multiple opponents, that’s the definition of ‘BMF.’

“That would be it,” Poirier continued. “If they put that together and it was a one-night tournament, that would be it (retirement).”

And “The Hangman,” for one, seems to be in…

Hooker Co-Signs Poirier’s BMF Tournament

Following Poirier’s remarks, which also got somewhat of a green light from UFC CEO Dana White following his latest post-Contender Series press conference, Hooker was quick to give his take on the idea.

Never one to shy away from the possibility of violence inside the Octagon, Hooker is unsurprisingly up for the same-night format.

“Don’t threaten me with a good time,” Hooker wrote on X.

The New Zealander joined Poirier and Gaethje inside the lightweight top five following an upset decision win over the highly regarded Mateusz Gamrot in Perth, Australia this past August.

Continue Reading Dan Hooker Responds To Dustin Poirier’s 4-Man BMF Tournament Pitch at MMA News.

Manager Pleads With The World To Accept BMF Title Is No More

Manager to the stars, Ali Abdelaziz, is tired of hearing people talk about fighting for the BMF title.

The BMF title was a specially crafted belt designed for and awarded to the winner of the fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Ultimately, …

Kamaru Usman Jorge Masvidal KO

Manager to the stars, Ali Abdelaziz, is tired of hearing people talk about fighting for the BMF title.

The BMF title was a specially crafted belt designed for and awarded to the winner of the fight between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. Ultimately, it would be Masvidal who was awarded the novelty belt, with none other than Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson putting it around his waist after their UFC 244 main event was stopped by the doctor.

Since then, and despite the fact that Dana White has made it clear that this was a one-off situation, there have been countless fighters calling for their crack at the BMF title. Everyone ranging from Leon Edwards to Colby Covington and more has asked for their own opportunity to fight for it.

One of the more recent people to call for the BMF title was Covington, who spoke in an interview about wanting to see it up for grabs if he is to fight Jorge Masvidal, like both men and many others want.

“Put that fuckin’ wack-ass BMF belt back on the fuckin’ line. Everybody knows who the real baddest motherfucker in this sport is. It’s Colby ‘Chaos’ Covington. Bring that fuckin’ belt out and lets fuckin’ do this shit: do The Ultimate Fighter whatever, tape for four weeks, six weeks, eight weeks, and run this fight in Miami. It makes sense,” Covington said.

“Let’s go to American Airlines Arena. We could sell out that arena in seconds. And if we don’t go to American Airlines, we can go right up the street to BB&T Center, which is 30 minutes up the street. I’ll beat his ass in both arenas. We’ll go beat BB&T Center, go up to Broward County; then, go down to Miami-Dade County and beat his ass in American Airlines Arena. Fuckin’ little bitch Jorge.”

Stop Asking For A BMF Belt, Says Abdelaziz

One person who is tired of hearing talks of a BMF title is one of the biggest managers in MMA, Ali Abdelaziz. In fact, he issued something of a response to the people who are asking for it, but seemingly Colby Covington in particular.

Posting to Twitter, Abdelaziz explained that his client, welterweight champ Kamaru Usman, is the lineal BMF champ after knocking out Jorge Masvidal at UFC 261. Therefore, he demands that nobody else asks to fight for this title, as it is no longer relevant.

“Please stop talking about this BMF belt @USMAN84kg won that belt and he throw it in the garbage already Win some fights and try to win the undisputed UFC title. Good luck with that,” Abdelaziz wrote.

The fact is the only time that Dana White even showed interest in bringing the BMF title back into circulation was in the event of a rematch between Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz. So even though Kamaru Usman might be the lineal titleholder, it is all just talk, as the actual belt does not appear to be going up for grabs anytime soon.

Do you still acknowledge the existence of the BMF title?

Continue Reading Manager Pleads With The World To Accept BMF Title Is No More at MMA News.