On Saturday, a “BMF” title will be on the line when Jorge Masvidal takes on Nate Diaz in the UFC 244 main event at Madison Square Garden in New York. Although UFC president Dana White said the belt will be a one and done, this could prove to be a popular trend that continues if the right fighters stand across each other in the octagon.
Making an all-time list would be hard. But here are 10 of the current “BMFs” in the UFC, listed alphabetically.
Donald Cerrone
Is there anyone who is truly willing to fight anyone, any time, anywhere like Donald Cerrone? Many say they are, but few actually put words into action like “Cowboy,” who has proven time and time again that he’s willing to saddle up and fight anyone.
From lightweights to welterweights to rising stars or former champions, there’s no one Cerrone won’t fight. He’s willing to answer the call whenever he’s asked.
With 33 UFC fights under his belt, tied for the most in UFC history with Jim Miller, Cerrone is also the holder of the most wins in UFC history at 23. He holds wins over the likes of former lightweight champs Eddie Alvarez and Benson Henderson, as well as lightweight contenders Al Iaquinta and Edson Barboza.
With rumors circulating that Cerrone is the front runner to face Conor McGregor on Jan. 18, that in itself, could be a “BMF” title fight.
Frankie Edgar
Frankie Edgar is the epitome of heart. Regularly at a size disadvantage, Edgar, who recently made the move down to bantamweight, is a former UFC lightweight champion.
His heart was displayed in full force when he was rocked and dropped by Gray Maynard in their 2011 bout. But after he survived an absolute onslaught, Edgar was able to not only survive, but continue to push the pace for 25 minutes, fighting to a split draw and retaining his lightweight title.
Edgar may now be a 135-pounder, but he’s willing to fight Conor McGregor at lightweight if he’s presented the opportunity. Never shying away from a fight, Edgar also made a relatively quick turnaround when he was knocked out for the first time in his career by Brian Ortega at UFC 222 – but defeated Cub Swanson just one month later.
Tony Ferguson
Tony Ferguson is the type of guy to do anything.
The former interim lightweight champion is on an incredible 12-fight winning streak, leaving many foes in pools of blood by the end of their fights.
If you hurt Ferguson, you only make him more dangerous, as he has proven with his ability to outlast his opponents and finish them. He even returned from an ACL tear after only six months, defeating Anthony Pettis at UFC 229. Even Dominick Cruz, who knows a thing or two about knee injuries, was left speechless at Ferguson’s quick turnaround.
If things go according to plan, it appears Ferguson will get his long-awaited lightweight title shot against Khabib Nurmagomedov in March. Let’s hope the fifth time the fight is booked is the charm.
Justin Gaethje
It’s no secret that Justin Gaethje loves a barnburner. He just can’t help himself. Few would even notice that he’s a Division-I wrestler due to his fighting style.
Few have made more of an impact than Gaethje since entering the UFC scene. The former WSOF lightweight champ has picked up seven performance bonuses in his six UFC fights, which include “Fight of the Year” contenders with Michael Johnson, Eddie Alvarez and Dustin Poirier.
Enjoying his best UFC run with three straight first-round knockouts, most recently taking out Donald Cerrone in September, Gaethje is ready for a shot at the title.
Or he wants Conor McGregor. Either way, big things on the horizon for “The Highlight.”
Max Holloway
Featherweight champion Max Holloway may have failed to capture the interim lightweight title, but he has absolutely dominated the 145-pound division.
He took out featherweight king Jose Aldo twice, beat former lightweight champ Frankie Edgar, and took the 0 from Brian Ortega’s undefeated record. He also holds wins over the likes of Cub Swanson, Jeremy Stephens and former 155-pound champ Anthony Pettis.
His resume is undeniable, and the incredible thing is, Holloway is only 27. It’s about time everyone hopped on the “Blessed” express.
Jon Jones
You can’t not include one of the greatest fighters of all time, light heavyweight champion Jon Jones, on a list of “BMFs.” Jones has practically never lost, and most people choose to his one career blemish, a disqualification to Matt Hamill in a fight he was dominating.
Jones has managed to excel in numerous eras, taking out both the old and new guard, and he’s still standing. Despite some legal issues outside the cage, as well as issues with USADA, Jones has managed to turn things around to get the 205-pound belt back by closing out his chapter with Alexander Gustafsson in dominant fashion at UFC 232.
He’s at a point at which he’s beaten everyone the UFC puts in front of him and wants a fight that excites him.
Robbie Lawler
There are few scarier and more willing to scrap than former welterweight champion,Robbie Lawler, who has engaged in some of the most thrilling contests in UFC history.
Lawler has had memorable wars with the likes of Rory MacDonald and Carlos Condit, two fights in which he pressed forward, threw bombs, and stared into the souls of his opponents. They say you’re never quite the same after facing Lawler, which has been evident in the careers of Condit, who has since lost four in a row; MacDonald, who has gone 3-3; and Johny Hendricks, who has gone 2-5.
Despite dropping his past three, Lawler remains one of the fiercest competitors who’s willing to fight anyone the UFC puts in front of him. They don’t call him “Ruthless” for nothing.
Conor McGregor
Former double champ Conor McGregor has shown that he isn’t afraid to take on anyone. After tearing through the featherweight division, knocking out Jose Aldo at UFC 194 to be crowned champion, McGregor then attempted to move up to lightweight to challenge then champ Rafael dos Anjos before an injury forced dos Anjos out. One-half of the UFC 244 “BMF” title fight, Nate Diaz, stepped in.
Due to the short-notice replacement, the fight was contested at welterweight, and Diaz shocked the world by submitting McGregor in the second round at UFC 196.
After dropping their first bout, McGregor became obsessed with rematching Diaz, requesting the fight to be once again contested at 170-pounds. He was able to prevail in the rematch in a classic war at UFC 202. Following the win over Diaz, McGregor was able to get his lightweight title shot, sparking Eddie Alvarez in the second round en route to one of his most impressive showings yet.
But being a double champ wasn’t enough for McGregor, who decided to cross over to boxing to challenge one of the greatest boxers of all time, undefeated Floyd Mayweather, in 2017. He ended up losing the bout by TKO in the 10th round, but put up a valiant effort. A year later, McGregor attempted to get the lightweight strap he was stripped of back, taking on another undefeated force in Khabib Nurmagomedov.
McGregor lost the bout by fourth-round submission at UFC 229 last year and is eyeing a rematch with Nurmagomedov, as well as the winner of UFC 244’s “BMF” title fight. Weight class aside, McGregor is down to fight anyone.
Khabib Nurmagomedov
Undefeated, undisputed and absolutely dominant lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov has got to make the list. Not only has he never lost, he has mauled everyone he’s faced, and has made it look effortless.
Never cut or in any real trouble, Nurmagomedov has shown great cardio and poise, tearing through the lightweight division. His stone-cold demeanor and focus has proven that despite arch-rival Conor McGregor’s pre-fight antics, he was able to remain unfazed during the fight.
He even talks to his opponents during the fight, as well as making demands to UFC president Dana White, while he delivers brutal ground-and-pound.
And he used to wrestle bears as a kid. Enough said.
Diego Sanchez
Yes! Diego Sanchez makes the list. The original “Ultimate Fighter” winner has competed in four different weight classes, from featherweight all the way to middleweight.
He bites down on his mouthpiece and swings like a wild man, willing to stand and trade with anyone. One of the longest standing UFC fighters, it is unknown what Sanchez’s next move will be, but he has thrilled us with incredible battles against Clay Guida, Gilbert Melendez and Jake Ellenberger.
He got a shot at then lightweight champion B.J. Penn in 2009, and though dominated, he showed incredible heart. He suffered a massive gash, but wanted to keep on going before doctors intervened and stopped the fight. If you want to beat Sanchez, you have to completely take him out, or he’ll keep marching forward.
