When Jorge Masvidal clinched the Baddest Motherf***** (BMF) title by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019, he reserved a special place for the belt at American Top Team’s facility in Coconut Creek, Florida. Masvidal was fully confident that his teammate, Dustin Poirier, would retain the title in the family after agreeing to square off against Justin Gaethje in July’s UFC 291 main event for the then-vacant BMF title.
However, the bout took an unexpected turn. Gaethje unleashed a spot-on head kick in the second round, sending Poirier tumbling to the mat. The finale? Masvidal found himself wrapping the BMF belt around Gaethje instead of his longtime training partner.
“Man, I’ve been tight with Dustin for ages, and we’ve shared the same training grounds at American Top Team for what feels like an eternity,” Masvidal disclosed in an interview with MMA Fighting ahead of the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event. “I was convinced that the belt was coming back to our camp. After the first round, I was like, ‘Don’t worry, get him next round!’ And then, bam! It happened, and that’s just how unpredictable the fight world is. I still believe Dustin has the edge over Gaethje. These guys epitomize the BMF ethos because they’re always aiming for a decisive finish. They don’t just fight; they have that relentless killer instinct that I deeply respect.”
Before the match, Gaethje saw Masvidal’s potential involvement in the belt ceremony as an added feather in his cap, given Masvidal’s closeness to Poirier. “It’d be pretty sweet to have him put that belt around me, especially since I know he won’t enjoy it. That makes it all the better for me,” Gaethje remarked.
Masvidal wasn’t blind to Gaethje’s viewpoint, commenting, “Gaethje’s just trying to boost his own stock, which is what he should be doing. My loyalty, however, is unshakably with Dustin. He’s more than just a teammate; he’s a solid individual both inside and outside the gym. An excellent husband, father, and friend. My allegiance was, without question, with Dustin.”
In a recent chat with ESPN, Masvidal stirred the pot by suggesting Gaethje should defend his newly-acquired BMF title against none other than Masvidal himself. Though Masvidal is just a few months into his retirement following a decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287, a comeback against Gaethje isn’t entirely off the table for the future.
“I’ve got no personal beef with Gaethje,” said Masvidal. “When I’ve had my fill of promoting events and decide to take a break, who knows? A couple of years down the line, a BMF title bout could make for an electrifying showdown. Gaethje’s lethal on his feet, and I’d be aiming to take his head clean off. It’d be one heck of a bout to look forward to. For now, he’s going to focus on his 155-pound division, and I’m busy with my promotional duties.”
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Jorge Masvidal BMF Title
What was the event where Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje fought for the BMF title?
The event was UFC 291, and it was the main event where Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje fought for the then-vacant BMF (Baddest Motherf*****) title.
Who originally held the BMF title before it became vacant?
Jorge Masvidal was the original holder of the BMF title, which he won by defeating Nate Diaz at UFC 244 in November 2019.
How did Justin Gaethje win against Dustin Poirier?
Justin Gaethje won by landing a precise head kick in the second round that knocked Dustin Poirier to the canvas. This led to Jorge Masvidal, the original BMF titleholder, wrapping the belt around Gaethje.
What was Gaethje’s attitude towards having Masvidal crown the winner?
Justin Gaethje viewed the idea of having Jorge Masvidal, a teammate and friend of Dustin Poirier, place the BMF belt around him as an added badge of honor. He thought it would be particularly satisfying given Masvidal’s loyalty to Poirier.
Is Jorge Masvidal considering coming out of retirement to fight Gaethje?
While Masvidal has been enjoying his retirement after a decision loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287, he suggested in an interview with ESPN that a future fight against Gaethje for the BMF title is not entirely out of the question.
Where do both Masvidal and Poirier train?
Both Jorge Masvidal and Dustin Poirier train at American Top Team, located in Coconut Creek, Florida.
What does Masvidal think about Dustin Poirier’s skills compared to Gaethje’s?
Masvidal holds the view that Dustin Poirier is a better fighter than Justin Gaethje. He believes that if they were to fight again, Poirier could potentially come out on top.
What are Masvidal’s current activities since his retirement?
Since his retirement, Jorge Masvidal has shifted his focus to promoting events, specifically mentioning his involvement in the Gamebred Bareknuckle MMA event.
More about Jorge Masvidal BMF Title
- Jorge Masvidal’s BMF Title Win at UFC 244
- UFC 291 Main Event Recap
- Masvidal’s Interview with MMA Fighting
- ESPN Interview with Jorge Masvidal
- American Top Team Official Website
- Jorge Masvidal’s Retirement Announcement
- Masvidal’s Decision Loss to Gilbert Burns at UFC 287
- Justin Gaethje’s Fighter Profile
- Dustin Poirier’s Fighter Profile
9 comments
Justin’s the real BMF now, guys. He made sure of that. Cant wait to see him defend the title, and who knows, maybe against Masvidal?
Is it just me or does Masvidal have a way with words? His interviews are always so raw and real. Makes the sport feel authentic, ya know?
wait, Masvidal’s into promoting Bareknuckle now? Guess fighters always find their way back to the ring, one way or another.
Masvidal being classy, as always. How many fighters would have the grace to wrap a belt around a dude who just knocked out their friend? not many, I bet.
Wow, didn’t see that head kick coming. Gaethje totally surprised everyone, huh? But mad respect to Masvidal for giving him the belt like a champ.
the itch to come back is real, folks. Take it from someone who’s been there. Masvidal might be promoting now, but the fight game’s in his blood. He’ll be back for sure.
Can someone tell me what BMF stands for? Also, Masvidal sounds like a cool dude, respecting his teammate and all that.
Yo Masvidal’s still got it, even in retirement. Kinda wanna see him come back and snatch that BMF title from Gaethje. Would be a hell of a fight, no doubt.
Still cant get over it, Dustin is better, man. Just one bad moment, but hes still BMF material in my book.