UFC 326: The Rise of the Baddest Man Trophy – Why Fighters Are Now Clamoring for the Ultimate Symbol of Toughness

The UFC’s ceremonial BMF title, initially conceived as a one-time honor, has surprisingly become a highly sought-after prize in the world of mixed martial arts. This Saturday, the title will be defended for the third time, with current champion Max Holloway set to face Charles Oliveira in the main event of UFC 326.

The creation of the BMF title has introduced an element of unpredictability into the UFC, with its unique blend of symbolism and competitiveness. The title’s value lies in its ability to transcend traditional notions of championship belts, instead representing a badge of honor for fighters who embody the spirit of being the “baddest motherf—er” in the game.

To witness the excitement of the BMF title defense, viewers can tune in to UFC 326 on Saturday night, available on Paramount+ with no additional fee. The platform offers an affordable subscription plan, starting at $8.99/month or $89.99/year, which includes access to every UFC numbered event and UFC Fight Night.

The inaugural BMF title fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal was a masterstroke, pitting two extremely popular fighters against each other. Although neither Diaz nor Masvidal had previously held a traditional UFC championship title, their bout set the stage for a new era of competition. Subsequent title contenders, including Dustin Poirier, Justin Gaethje, Max Holloway, and Charles Oliveira, have all held interim or full UFC championships, adding an extra layer of prestige to the BMF title.

Competing for the BMF title is a distinction reserved for fan favorites and the most thrilling fighters in the sport. The title’s history is marked by memorable moments, including the inaugural fight between Masvidal and Diaz, which took place at welterweight, and the subsequent defenses at lightweight.

A Look Back at UFC BMF Fights

• November 2, 2019: UFC 244 – Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz
• July 29, 2023: UFC 291 – Justin Gaethje defeated Dustin Poirier
• April 13, 2024: UFC 300 – Max Holloway defeated Justin Gaethje (c)
• July 19, 2025: UFC 318 – Max Holloway (c) defeated Dustin Poirier

Notably, the BMF title has only been contested at welterweight and lightweight, deviating from the traditional notion of the “baddest” fighter often being associated with heavyweight champions in boxing and MMA. Max Holloway, the current BMF titleholder, views the championship as an opportunity to reclaim his position as a top contender, leveraging the title’s prestige to fuel his pursuit of the undisputed championship.

The common thread among BMF title contenders is their ability to deliver excitement, as evidenced by the impressive number of post-fight bonuses they have accumulated. The six fighters who have competed for the BMF title have collectively earned 87 post-fight bonuses, with Charles Oliveira holding the current UFC record with 21 bonuses.

BMF championship fights have consistently produced iconic moments, from Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson presenting the inaugural title to Jorge Masvidal to Justin Gaethje’s brutal knockout of Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway’s stunning knockout of Gaethje at UFC 300. This Saturday’s bout between Holloway and Oliveira has all the ingredients to deliver another unforgettable moment, pitting two of the most skilled and exciting fighters in the UFC against each other.