Islam Makhachev Lays Into Dustin Poirier vs. Justin Gaethje BMF Title Fight: 'This Belt Is For Bums'
The ceremonial BMF title will make a surprise return next month for the UFC 291 pay-per-view, set for Salt Lake City on July 29.
The belt was created back in 2019, with now-former UFC stars Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz vying for the status of ‘baddest motherf*cker’. After “Gamebred” emerged with the belt, it remained inactive up until his retirement earlier this year.
Now, for the second time since its inception, the BMF strap will be back up for grabs. In the UFC 291 headliner, Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje will have a rematch of their 2018 Fight of the Year contender, this time with the BMF title on the line.
Since the bout was announced, the return of the ceremonial belt has split opinion. While some see it as nothing more than a gimmick, others have suggested it brings genuine extra stakes to the July 29 main event.
It’s safe to say that the reigning UFC lightweight champion falls firmly on one side of the debate…
Makhachev: BMF Title Is For People Who Can Never Be Champion
During a recent interview with former two-division UFC champion Daniel Cormier, Islam Makhachev gave a less than positive take on the BMF title and its return for his division’s next major bout.
According to the Dagestani, the ceremonial belt is designed for those who can’t reach the top, an umbrella that he thinks Masvidal, Diaz, Poirier, and Gaethje all come under.
“Brother, just one question, if Dustin Poirier beats Gaethje and he’s gonna fight next for the lightweight title, is he gonna come with the BMF title? He’s gonna come to Abu Dhabi with the BMF title? … I don’t want this sh*t,” Makhachev said. “This belt is for bums. First time, who fight for this belt? Diaz and Masvidal, the people who never can be champion. They give him some belt, ‘Guys, be happy, fight for BMF.’
“Dana has to stop this. After this, please stop,” Makhachev continued whilst laughing. “Gaethje and Poirier, brother, they fight for the real belt many times and they always lose. And now, Dana, good guy, give them other belt. ‘Guys, you have to be BMF champion.’ Honestly, if somebody give me this belt tomorrow, I don’t want this sh*t.”
While Charles Oliveira staked his claim for the next spot opposite Makhachev with his first-round victory over Beneil Dariush this past weekend at UFC 289, Poirier and Gaethje will no doubt look to leapfrog the Brazilian with a strong performance in Utah.
If that comes to fruition and either “The Diamond” or “The Highlight” challenges for the gold in Abu Dhabi this October, Makhachev will seemingly be hoping that the BMF title remains on United States soil.
Image: Mark J. Rebilas/USA TODAY Sports
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