The “Baddest Motherf**ker” title within the Ultimate Fighting Championship is not a traditional championship belt, but rather a symbolic emblem introduced for a specific high-profile clash. Created for the 2019 bout between fan favorites Jorge Masvidal and Nate Diaz, it has since been contested on two other occasions and is set to be on the line for a fourth time at UFC 318 in New Orleans.
The upcoming event features a rematch for this unique title between current holder Max Holloway and veteran contender Dustin Poirier. For Poirier, this fight carries added weight, potentially marking his final walk to the octagon. Holloway, on the other hand, seeks to achieve a first in the BMF lineage: a successful title defense, following his victory over Justin Gaethje at UFC 300.
Looking beyond UFC 318, the lead voice of the UFC commentary team, Jon Anik, has offered his perspective on who might be the most fitting challenger for the BMF title should Max Holloway retain it. In a recent interview on *Submission Radio*, Anik put forward the name of lightweight contender Dan Hooker.
Anik stated his belief that “Dan Hooker… is the most worthy fighter across every division who has never fought for the BMF title to get an opportunity to do so.” He elaborated that a potential matchup between Max Holloway and Dan Hooker would make significant sense for the BMF title if Holloway is successful against Poirier.
The rationale behind Anik`s suggestion appears rooted in Hooker`s fighting style and history. Known for his durability and willingness to engage in tough, back-and-forth battles, `The Hangman` embodies many of the qualities the BMF title is meant to represent – toughness, heart, and fan-friendly performances. While not a traditional title shot, a BMF clash often pits two respected, gritty competitors against each other, a description that certainly fits both Holloway and Hooker.
Adding another layer to this speculation is Dan Hooker`s own public interest in the BMF title. Following his hard-fought split decision victory over Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305 in August 2024, Hooker openly listed the BMF belt among his desired future pursuits, alongside major bouts like a potential clash with Conor McGregor or an eliminator for the lightweight division`s top contender spot.
However, the path to a potential Holloway vs. Hooker BMF fight is not without its obstacles. Currently, Hooker is recovering from a broken hand injury that forced him out of a scheduled bout earlier this year. Furthermore, Anik himself acknowledged that while Holloway vs. Hooker for the BMF title is a logical pairing *under that specific condition*, his personal preference would be to see Max Holloway pursue the traditional lightweight championship if he defeats Poirier.
Despite the contingencies and current injury status, the prospect of Dan Hooker challenging for the BMF title, especially with an endorsement from a prominent figure like Jon Anik and supported by Hooker`s own past statements, remains an interesting potential storyline in the UFC`s future landscape. Should Max Holloway successfully defend the symbolic belt at UFC 318 and choose to continue its lineage, Dan Hooker appears to be a compelling candidate waiting for his chance at the strap.
Gareth Pendleton