Islam Makhachev Mocks Dustin Poirier & Max Holloway for Fighting for the BMF Belt—‘WHAT IS THIS BMF SH*T! THEY CAN’T WIN REAL TITLE!’

UFC Lightweight Champion Islam Makhachev has stirred the pot with a scathing jab at Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, ridiculing their upcoming fight for the BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker) belt at UFC 318 on July 5. In a recent interview, Makhachev didn’t hold back, slamming the symbolic title and questioning the two former champions’ inability to capture a “real” belt, further intensifying his reputation for sharp-tongued trash talk.

Makhachev’s Harsh Critique

Speaking to MMA Junkie during a media day on May 2, Makhachev unleashed his disdain for the BMF belt, which Poirier and Holloway are set to contest in a highly anticipated lightweight clash. “What is this BMF sh*t? They can’t win a real title, so they fight for this toy belt?” Makhachev scoffed, his tone dripping with mockery. “I beat both of them already—Dustin, Max, they know I’m the best. They should be fighting for No. 1 contender, not this nonsense.” The Dagestani champ’s comments reference his dominant victories over Poirier at UFC 302 in June 2024 (fifth-round submission) and Holloway at UFC 308 in October 2024 (unanimous decision), solidifying his claim as the lightweight division’s top dog.

Makhachev’s disdain for the BMF belt isn’t new—he previously called it a “joke” in 2023 when Justin Gaethje won it against Poirier, per Sportskeeda. However, his latest remarks hit harder, directly targeting Poirier and Holloway’s legacies as fan-favorite fighters who have fallen short in recent title bids. The BMF belt, introduced in 2019 and first won by Jorge Masvidal, has been a polarizing addition to the UFC, celebrated by some for its entertainment value but dismissed by others, like Makhachev, as a distraction from “real” championships.

The BMF Showdown: Poirier vs. Holloway

The Poirier-Holloway fight for the BMF belt, confirmed by Dana White on The Jim Rome Show in April 2025, marks the third meeting between the two warriors. Their first clash at UFC 236 in 2019 saw Poirier win by decision, while Holloway avenged the loss in a bloody interim featherweight title fight at UFC 143 in 2012. Now, with both fighters coming off losses to Makhachev, they’re set to battle for the symbolic BMF strap—a title Holloway briefly held after beating Gaethje at UFC 300 in 2024, only to vacate it upon moving back to lightweight.

Poirier, 36, has been vocal about his desire to cement his legacy, telling MMA Fighting on April 28, “The BMF belt is about who’s the toughest, who brings it every time—that’s me.” Holloway, 33, echoed the sentiment, saying on The MMA Hour, “I’m here to fight the best, and Dustin’s one of the best. Let’s see who’s the real BMF.” Despite their enthusiasm, Makhachev’s comments have cast a shadow over the matchup, framing it as a consolation prize for fighters he believes can’t reclaim divisional gold.

The MMA Community Reacts

Makhachev’s mockery has sparked a firestorm of reactions across the MMA world. On social media, the hashtag #MakhachevVsBMF trended with over 1 million posts, reflecting a split in fan sentiment. Some supported Makhachev’s view, with one user writing, “Islam’s right—BMF is a gimmick. Poirier and Holloway should be chasing the real belt.” Others defended the BMF concept, with a fan countering, “Islam’s just scared of the chaos Poirier and Holloway bring. BMF is for the fans!”

Fighters have also weighed in. Justin Gaethje, a former BMF champ, fired back on X, saying, “Islam talks a lot for someone who’s dodging Ilia Topuria. BMF means something to the fans—more than his boring fights.” Meanwhile, Alexander Volkanovski, who has faced both Makhachev and Holloway, told the BYM Podcast, “Islam’s got a point—the BMF belt isn’t a real title. But he doesn’t need to disrespect Dustin and Max like that. They’re legends.”

Makhachev’s Dominance and Next Steps

Makhachev’s comments come as he prepares for a potential title defense against Topuria at UFC 317 on June 28, though negotiations have been complicated by his reported $55 million demand, as revealed by Joe Rogan on The Joe Rogan Experience. The lightweight king has been on a tear, with 14 straight wins and victories over top names like Charles Oliveira, Poirier, and Holloway, cementing his status as the No. 1 pound-for-pound fighter in Dana White’s eyes, per Newsweek. Yet, his dismissive attitude toward the BMF belt has drawn ire from fans who see it as a lack of respect for two of the sport’s most beloved fighters.

Poirier and Holloway, both known for their class, have yet to respond directly, but their fight promises to be a fan-friendly spectacle regardless of Makhachev’s taunts. With Poirier hinting at retirement after this bout and Holloway aiming to reassert himself at 155 pounds, the stakes are high—BMF belt or not.

A Clash of Perspectives

Islam Makhachev’s mockery of the BMF belt has added a layer of intrigue to the Poirier-Holloway trilogy fight, framing it as a battle for pride in the face of his disdain. While Makhachev focuses on “real” titles, Poirier and Holloway are set to remind the world why they’re fan favorites, delivering the kind of heart-pounding action the BMF belt was created to honor. As UFC 318 approaches, one thing is clear: Makhachev may not respect the BMF title, but the fighters vying for it are ready to prove its worth in the Octagon.