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On November 2nd 2019 at UFC 244, Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz for the symbolic BMF championship. Doctors did not allow Diaz to continue due to a large cut on his face and stopped the bout after the conclusion of the third round.
Nate Diaz called himself the 'Baddest Motherf*****' after defeating Anthony Pettis at UFC 241. Diaz also called out Jorge Masvidal after his win. The promotion latched on to this idea and created a physical belt that was awarded to the winner of the bout at UFC 244.
Both men had been raised in the fight game, Nate Diaz under the supervision of his brother Nick and Masvidal in the street-fighting scene in Miami. They were also incredibly popular among fans, talked trash, didn't decline fights and consistently put on entertaining bouts, all of which led to them being worthy of the BMF belt.
While the belt has not been defended since, the BMF title captured the imagination of the MMA world. Its popularity was undoubtedly helped by the fact that Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal seemed to be the perfect two fighters to be fighting for this title.
While Masvidal is the only holder of the BMF to date, this type of fighter has always been popular over the years. Should the belt have existed between 2005-2010 here are the five men who would have had a strong case as the UFC's BMF:
Honorable mentions: Chael Sonnen, Chuck Lidell, Diego Sanchez, Josh Koshcheck and Nick Diaz.
#5. Kimbo Slice
While Kimbo Slice may not have had the most decorated of UFC careers, there are few more deserving than him of the BMF title. Slice made a name for himself prior to the UFC, as footage of his unsanctioned street fights in Miami would make him incredibly popular over the internet.
Slice only began his MMA journey in 2005 but after earning a 3-1 professional record and given his huge popularity, the UFC quickly came calling. Slice competed in The Ultimate Fighter: Heavyweights where he was eliminated by 'Big Country' Roy Nelson.
Slice would win his UFC debut proper in the finale but would only fight once more in the company. While the UFC resume may be slightly lacking, Slice was a true BMF who made a name for himself on the streets. Kimbo was also incredibly popular with fans and proved he was willing to step up to any challenge.
#4. Brock Lesnar
While Brock Lesnar is better known these days for his work in WWE, his run in the UFC proved he was also a true BMF in MMA. Lesnar made the jump from pro-wrestling to MMA in 2007 when he made his pro debut, winning by first round TKO.
That performance, combined with Lesnar's popularity, led to the UFC signing him later that year. While he would lose his debut, 'The Beast' went on to win the heavyweight title and successfully defend the belt twice before losing in 2010 to Cain Velasquez.
Lesnar was a freak athlete who clearly did not care what fans, sponsors or anyone else thought about him. He was also very good at getting paid, a trait shared by our more modern BMFs Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal.
#3. Tito Ortiz
Should the BMF title have existed in the UFC between 2005-2010, 'The Huntington Beach Bad Boy' would surely have been a prime candidate. While Tito Ortiz's run with the UFC light heavyweight belt took place prior to 2005, he would certainly still have been a worthy contender.
Perhaps the BMF trait that Ortiz showcased the most was his willingness to take on all-comers. Between 2005-2010, he fought Vitor Belfort, Forrest Griffin twice, Ken Shamrock twice, Chuck Liddell, Rashad Evans, Lyoto Machida and Matt Hammill.
This willingness to step up to any challenge, combined with Ortiz's signature bad boy attitude that was on show at all times, made him a fighter who would have definitely been worthy to hold the BMF belt.
#2. Michael Bisping
While the defining moment in Michael Bisping's UFC career would not come until 2016, he proved himself to be a BMF from his first fight in the company in 2006. 'The Count' also built a name for himself prior to his UFC debut, winning Cage Warriors gold and, more notably, season 3 of The Ultimate Fighter.
Bisping was a loud mouth from the moment he signed with the UFC but also backed it up inside the cage. Bisping was constantly active throughout his time in the UFC and was also very successful, not losing consecutive fights until the very end of his career.
Bisping would've been a great candidate for the BMF belt as he was immediately a big name in the UFC, was popular with the fans, fought anyone and everyone and also was involved in a number of exciting moments between 2005 and 2010.
#1. Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson
There may not be a fighter more deserving of the BMF belt in UFC history than Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson. Jackson was one of the company's biggest stars throughout his time with the UFC and had the personality to match.
Jackson built a name for himself by competing in Pride Fighting Championships in Japan. It took him little time to make an impact in the UFC as he won light heavyweight gold in just his second fight with the promotion.
While Jackson did suffer the occasional loss, he was incredibly talented and would fight and talk trash to anyone. Should the BMF belt have existed between 2005-2010, Jackson would certainly have been deserving of a shot at the belt.
