Chael Sonnen Claims Dustin Poirier Winning His Last UFC Fight Would Help BMF Title ‘Live On’ Despite His Retirement

In 2019, after defeating Anthony Pettis at UFC 241, Nate Diaz famously dubbed himself the “baddest motherf—-r,” which led to the creation of the UFC’s now-iconic BMF title. The title was first introduced at UFC 244 at Madison Square Garden, where Nate Diaz faced Jorge Masvidal. ‘Gamebred’ won the fight via doctor stoppage in the third round, marking the beginning of the BMF title’s history.

Later, Jorge Masvidal passed the belt on to Justin Gaethje after his win over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Max Holloway claimed the title in a historic moment at UFC 300 by knocking out Justin Gaethje. The UFC created the BMF title for marketing purposes, also intending to give fighters without major championship titles a chance to earn a prestigious belt. Now, as UFC 318 approaches in July, the future of the BMF title is in question. The former interim lightweight champion ‘The Diamond’ will take on BMF champion ‘Blessed’ in a trilogy fight in his hometown of New Orleans.

With the fight fast approaching, rumors swirl about whether the BMF title will continue if Dustin Poirier wins. Chael Sonnen, a former UFC star, shared his thoughts on Instagram, expressing his belief that the BMF title should remain in play regardless of the outcome.

He said, “I certainly hope that we don’t retire the belt. That belt is very coveted and is sought after by some guys who have worked very hard and sacrificed everything to try to achieve that level of recognition or something they can be proud of when they’re done. So regardless of how Dustin and Max go, I will campaign now that the BMF title lives on. If Dustin were to win, it would create a great opportunity to move the belt.”

Given the belt’s history, it seems unlikely that Dana White and the UFC would retire the BMF title. Take Jorge Masvidal, for example—who first claimed the BMF title in 2019 and later passed it on to Justin Gaethje after his retirement following his victory over Dustin Poirier at UFC 291. Masvidal made a symbolic appearance, draping the belt around Gaethje’s waist, signaling that a fighter’s retirement doesn’t affect the BMF title’s legacy.

This aligns with Dustin Poirier, one of the sport’s legendary fighters who has yet to capture a major championship belt. But it’s not Max Holloway that ‘The Diamond’ has his eye on—so who is it? Let’s hear it straight from the Louisiana native.

Whom did Dustin Poirier ask for his last dance?

Dustin Poirier initially had his sights set on completing his trilogy against Justin Gaethje, with the two fighters tied at 1-1. The trilogy would have been the perfect conclusion to their rivalry. However, at UFC 313 in March, Gaethje shut down any hopes of a third fight, stating, “Our families don’t deserve that,” effectively ending the rumors. Meanwhile, ‘The Diamond’ also turned his attention to former featherweight champion Ilia Topuria, who had relinquished his title earlier this year to challenge Islam Makhachev in the lightweight division, aiming for a two-division champion status.

Makhachev and his team insisted that Topuria prove himself against a top-ranked contender—someone like Dustin Poirier. But the UFC had other plans. Speaking to MMA Junkie, ‘The Diamond’ revealed his conversations with UFC officials. “I was asking Hunter [Campbell] for Gaethje because we’re 1-1. I wanted to close out that trilogy,” Poirier explained.

“For some reason, they really wanted this fight. That’s cool, because I respect [Max] for my last fight.” He added, “When [Ilia Topuria] said he was going to 155, I texted the UFC and said, ‘Hey, let me know what’s going on with this guy.’ But they never entertained it. They told me it’s not happening, and they wanted Max.”

What’s your take on Dustin Poirier vs. Max Holloway for the BMF title? Do you think a trilogy fight with Justin Gaethje would be more exciting, especially since the two are tied at 1-1? Share your thoughts below.

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