The Legacy of BMFs in the UFC

The Legacy of BMFs in the UFC

The concept of the BMF (Baddest Motherf**er) in MMA history gained popularity after Nate Diaz‘s victorious return to the Octagon in 2019. Diaz’s callout of Jorge Masvidal ignited the idea, leading to the creation of the BMF belt and an epic showdown between the two fighters. This unique concept of determining the BMF sparked discussions about what truly makes someone a BMF in the world of mixed martial arts. From Chuck Liddell’s fearlessness to the dominance of Ronda Rousey and Amanda Nunes, let’s explore the legacy of BMFs in MMA history.

The BMF Showdown: Nate Diaz vs. Jorge Masvidal

Nate Diaz’s triumphant return to the Octagon in 2019 marked the beginning of the BMF concept. After his crowd-pleasing victory over Anthony Pettis, Diaz called out Jorge Masvidal, declaring himself and Masvidal as the only true BMFs in the sport. This sparked interest among fans and led to the official booking of the Diaz vs. Masvidal fight at Madison Square Garden. The UFC even created a special BMF belt for the occasion. In a thrilling fight, Masvidal emerged victorious, becoming the first holder of the BMF belt, with the honor being bestowed upon him by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

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The BMF Legacy of Chuck Liddell

Chuck “The Iceman” Liddell, a true pioneer of the sport, holds a special place as the original face of the UFC. Known for his “anytime, anywhere” mentality, Liddell epitomized the fearless and aggressive approach of a BMF. He cared little about fame, titles, or money, solely driven by his passion for fighting. Liddell’s impact on the sport and his all-action style make him a definitive BMF in the history of MMA.

Robbie Lawler

While not as well-known as Liddell, Robbie Lawler’s career speaks volumes about his BMF status. Having been part of the UFC since 2002, Lawler’s longevity and no-nonsense approach in the cage set him apart. Fearless and unfazed by any opponent, Lawler engaged in some of the most epic fights in MMA history. His tenacity and warrior spirit make him a true BMF in the eyes of many.

The Elite Women’s BMFs: Ronda Rousey, Joanna Jedrzejczyk, Amanda Nunes, and Cris Cyborg

The women’s side of MMA boasts a list of elite BMFs, reflecting the rapid growth of the sport at the highest level. Ronda Rousey, the trailblazer of women’s MMA, showcased her BMF qualities by dominating opponents with her armbar submissions and ferocity. Joanna Jedrzejczyk, the strawweight champion, brought striking to the forefront, leaving her opponents bloodied and battered with her relentless assault.

Amanda Nunes and Cris Cyborg also earned their BMF status by physically dominating their opponents, resulting in brutal knockouts rarely seen before in women’s MMA. Their icy stares and rock-hard fists made them formidable forces inside the cage. Valentina Shevchenko, known for her calculated and surgical approach to fighting, completes the list of elite women’s BMFs.

Old-School BMFs: Royce Gracie and Kimbo Slice

In the early days of MMA, Royce Gracie stood out as the intimidating figure representing the Gracie family. Despite his slight frame, Gracie’s submission skills and relentless demeanor made him a true BMF. He led the way for Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and became a legend in the sport.

Kimbo Slice, though known for backyard brawls, transitioned to MMA, making a name for himself as a formidable fighter. While not an elite MMA competitor, Kimbo’s reputation for violence and his role in promoting BMF Hall of Famer, Masvidal, make him a noteworthy inclusion on the list.

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The Future of BMF Belts

After its initial success, the BMF belt makes a return at UFC 291 with the highly anticipated rematch between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje. As BMF titles transcend weight classes and represent the spirit of the name, future BMF fights can showcase elite fighters in thrilling catchweight bouts. A potential match between Poirier or Gaethje against Max Holloway would capture the essence of BMF fights, offering thrilling action without the constraints of divisional titles.