Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz gave the fans a one-of-a-kind spectacle back in 2019. At the historic UFC 244 that went down in Madison Square Garden, Diaz and Masvidal went to war for the iconic BMF title. The highly-anticipated bout came to a disappointing end after a doctor’s stoppage earned Masvidal the black and silver belt. A title unlike no other, most fans would not have thought to see it again until the UFC 291 announcements came. With the belt making a surprise return, it is only fitting that the original BMF returns with it.
With Masvidal retired, the BMF title remains vacant, and there are fewer fights worthier than the lightweight matchup between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier for the ‘baddest’ belt in the UFC. According to a recent revelation from Masvidal, he will be at the Vivint Arena when Poirier and Gaethje go to war, and he will have a special role. This adds to the excitement around the Justin Gaethje vs. Dustin Poirier fight. The two electrifying fighters are going head-to-head for the second time in their careers and the fight shows promises of being a thrilling one. But there is more to this.
Jorge Masvidal shares a massive update for UFC 291
For the longest time, the UFC wasn’t sure of whom to call to bestow the UFC MBF title to the winner of the fight. When Masvidal fought Diaz, former WWE fighter and Hollywood action star, Dwayne Johnson was the one who wrapped the belt around Masvidal’s waist after he won. Now, it seems it is Masvidal’s turn to pass the belt on.
In a recent interview with Chamatkar Sandu, Masvidal opened up on the latest news regarding who would be putting the belt around the winner’s waist. The interviewer asked Masvidal if there has been any developments from Dana White‘s end. He also mentioned how Dana White entertained the idea of Masvidal bequeathing the belt at a post-event press conference, after their interview.
‘Gamebred’ said, “That’s what I heard. It’s happening. It’s on and shout out to my boy for setting that up, huh? It was nice of him.” Talking about the ‘BMF’ belt Masvidal said, “Yeah, it’s gonna happen when I go out there, wrap the belt on around the winner and… the tradition is on and the winner of that will wrap the belt on the winner of that and so on and so on.“
However, the ‘BMF’ had to beat out some tough competition to earn the spot at UFC 291.
Who were the UFC’s Top Picks to Confer BMF Belt
The first BMF title was conferred upon Jorge Masvidal by Dwayne Johnson. Now, according to Masvidal, he should be the one to pass it down. This time, for the fight between Justin Gaethje and Dustin Poirier, the UFC had a few options – and they were really big names.
Mike Tyson, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Triple H were some of the names being considered for the event. The majority of fans obviously wanted Mike Tyson to be the one to present the fighters with that honor. However, as recent news suggests, it might be Jorge Masvidal.
The BMF title was first contested four years back in 2019. Now, four years down the line, Masvidal wants to start the tradition in the UFC where the BMF champions pass the title down to their successor.
Dana White seems to be on board with this. However, there is no official confirmation from the promotion’s end. Will it be Jorge Masvidal, or will Mike Tyson be the one to do the honors?