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As UFC 318 draws closer, all eyes are fixed on the main event clash between Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway — a high-stakes showdown not just between two beloved warriors, but over the coveted BMF (Baddest Motherf***er) title. With whispers of Poirier's retirement growing louder, the outcome of this fight could reshape the legacy of one of UFC’s most unique championship belts.
Dustin Poirier's last dance in the Octagon
Dustin Poirier, widely regarded as one of the most respected and resilient fighters in the history of the UFC, is on the brink of hanging up his gloves. Having fought some of the best names in the lightweight division — including Khabib Nurmagomedov, Charles Oliveira, Justin Gaethje, and Conor McGregor — "The Diamond" has etched his name into MMA folklore. Despite never winning the undisputed title, his warrior spirit and thrilling fight resume have earned him a place among the sport’s elite.
His final test? A rubber match against Max Holloway, another fan-favorite who brings his own legacy into the cage. The fight marks their third meeting, with Dustin Poirier having won the previous two — the first by submission in 2012, and the second by unanimous decision in 2019 for the interim lightweight title.
What makes the BMF belt different?
Introduced in 2019 as a one-off title for Jorge Masvidal vs. Nate Diaz, the BMF belt was never meant to follow the same path as traditional UFC titles. It represents attitude, heart, and the willingness to go to war — something both Poirier and Holloway embody fully.
Max Holloway, the current BMF champ, took the belt in stunning fashion, only to face the challenge of defending it against the very man who previously bested him twice. The belt now takes on a new level of importance, especially as it could become the final strap Dustin Poirier ever fights for.
If Poirier wins — what becomes of the belt?
With Poirier hinting strongly at retirement following UFC 318, a win over Max Holloway could mean the BMF belt walks away with him. As UFC fans know, no other championship carries the kind of symbolic weight the BMF strap does — it’s not just about rankings or records, but about legacy, heart, and defiance.
UFC has not officially declared what will happen if Dustin Poirier exits the sport as champion, but the possibility of the belt being retired alongside him remains a real and poetic scenario. If that’s the case, UFC 318 could not only mark the end of Poirier's career, but also close the chapter on one of the promotion's most unique and fan-driven creations.
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