In making the BMF title, even Dana White seemed unsure about its future. However, since Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal clashed for the BMF strap, the title has changed hands twice, much like a world title. Currently, Max Holloway lays claim to the moniker of ‘BMF.’ To win the BMF belt, the Hawaiian star did it in a fashion that truly personifies everything it stands for.
With an impressive track record as a champion, the Hawaiian fighter has been in the UFC for 12 years. However, he only achieved superstardom with his impressive UFC 300 win. Rolling back the curtain, Holloway let everybody in on the actual reason behind the daring 10-second slugfest. The 32-year-old made it quite clear that he had no intentions of letting the fight go to a decision.
I got hit on top of my head in one of the exchanges and got put to my butt…let’s really see how hard he can hit. If he can land it, he can land it. We die on our sword right here; you know? I don’t need my shield. I threw my shield to the side.
Max Holloway via Exclusive Interview with Mighty
Max Holloway is on the cusp of regaining his world title back, and the pathway goes through Ilia Topuria. The Spanish champion is no stranger to slugfest and putting people to sleep. However, he still believes grappling disparity would play a key role in the fight. Topuria’s call for slugging it out in the opening seconds of the bout did not sit well with Holloway.
The Hawaiian star responded by calling it a ‘dangerous’ move to do early in the fight. Holloway wanted to give his adversary a chance to turn the tide, something the star didn’t believe in doing in the opening seconds. He feels the tagline BMF stands for being a smart fighter with a high fight IQ and not just a bar-room brawler.
Max Holloway responds to Ilia Topuria’s offer to stand and trade in the first 10 seconds
The Spaniard is walking into his first title defense with one goal in mind: knockout Holloway. Responding to Topuria’s daring challenge, the BMF champion stated that his rival completely missed the point of his signature move. The whole move is geared towards giving his nemesis a fair chance to win.
Giving Justin Gaethje a chance truly immortalized the moment in MMA history. However, doing something similar in the opening of a world title fight remains foolish. Conor McGregor knocked out Jose Aldo when it became a firefight with both men trading big shots. As such, Holloway clarified why he would not stand and bang in the first 10 seconds.
The belt is called the ‘Blessed Man Forever’ or what you guys want to call ‘the baddest motherf***r. If the belt was the ‘DMF,’ the dumbest motherf***r, then maybe I would get sucked into it. It’s far from that.
Max Holloway via Exclusive Interview MMA Fighting
The UFC star is completely focused on regaining the featherweight gold. However, he remains keen to win the 155lbs title much like Topuria after UFC 308. Whichever way the fight goes, both men would be gunning for champ-champ status like nine other fighters achieved before them. This could spell trouble for Alexander Volkanvoski, who seems eager to reclaim his title as well.
