Din Thomas Proposes New Format for the BMF Title at UFC
The BMF title has sparked controversy again after Charles Oliveira defeated Max Holloway at UFC 326 in a far from spectacular fashion. Now analyst Din Thomas has put forward a concrete proposal to salvage the symbolism of the belt and put the competition back at the centre of attention.
A Fight Too Boring for a “Baddest Motherf***er” Title
The idea behind the BMF belt was never about technique. Ever since Conor McGregor put the belt around Jorge Masvidal’s waist in 2019, the premise was clear: whoever holds this title is the baddest, most violent, most willing-to-brawl fighter. That is why Oliveira’s performance against Holloway bothered so many people.
The Brazilian knocked “Blessed” down five times, controlled the fight on the ground for more than 20 minutes and won by unanimous decision. Technically flawless. For a BMF, however, it was disappointing. The MMA community reacted with calls to retire the belt. None of that happened.
Thomas’s Proposal: MSG, Once a Year, No Defences
Din Thomas has a different solution. The analyst argues that the UFC should turn the BMF into a unique annual event, always at Madison Square Garden in New York, and that the criterion for choosing the fighters should be simple: whoever entertained the most during the year.
“My suggestion for the BMF: you do a new one every year at Madison Square Garden and you pick two fighters, men or women, regardless of weight class, who had the best year, and you put them to fight at the MSG, every year. And they don’t have to defend it. That’s it. You fight for the BMF title because you had an incredible year,” said the analyst.
The concept eliminates the logic of mandatory defence and opens the door to improbable cross-division match-ups. Conor McGregor had recently suggested something similar, which shows the idea has traction within the sport’s own inner circle.
What Lies Ahead for Oliveira and the Belt
The UFC, for now, has no intention of stripping the belt from Oliveira. “Do Bronx” is already talking about fighting Justin Gaethje, the current lightweight champion, and even floating the idea of unifying the two titles in a 155-pound showdown.
But the path is not straightforward. Before that, Oliveira is expected to face Arman Tsarukyan in a rematch. The Armenian fighter’s camp has already publicly expressed interest in the clash, and Gaethje plans to defend his lightweight title only in 2027. With that window open, the Oliveira-Tsarukyan trilogy could be the next big deal in the division.
Whether or not Thomas’s proposal wins out, the debate around the BMF reveals something bigger: the UFC needs to decide what this belt really means. A technical title or a prize for entertainment? The answer will determine whether it survives the next year.
