Lil Wayne May Crown BMF Champion at UFC 318
UFC 318 is shaping up to be a historic and emotional night, and one of its most buzzworthy storylines involves hip-hop icon Lil Wayne. Both Dustin Poirier and Max Holloway, who are set to clash in a trilogy bout for the BMF title, have agreed that the New Orleans rapper should wrap the belt around the winner.
The fight, taking place at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans this Saturday, headlines UFC 318 and will be available on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
Why Lil Wayne?
Poirier, a proud Louisiana native, will walk out to the octagon for what may be his retirement fight, with Lil Wayne accompanying him. During Thursday’s UFC 318 pre-fight press conference, Poirier expressed his wish:
“Let Weezy do it,” he said when asked who should wrap the belt.
Max Holloway, the defending BMF champion, fully supported the idea, stating:
“I’m not going to disagree with that.”
A Look at BMF Belt History
The BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker) title was initially meant to be a one-time attraction but has since become a fan-favorite spectacle, handed out by guest celebrities instead of UFC President Dana White.
Here’s a quick recap of its history:
- UFC 244 (2019): The BMF title debuted, with Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson wrapping the belt around Jorge Masvidal, who defeated Nate Diaz.
- UFC 291 (July 2023): A retired Masvidal passed the belt to Justin Gaethje after his knockout win over Poirier.
- UFC 300 (April 2024): UFC legend Mark Coleman presented the belt to Holloway after his iconic knockout of Gaethje, following Coleman’s heroic recovery from a house fire rescue.
Lil Wayne’s UFC Debut as Belt Presenter?
Having Lil Wayne participate in this special moment would make it the first time a music superstar crowns a BMF champion. For Poirier, it would be a symbolic way to end his career in front of his home crowd. For Holloway, it’s a gesture of respect for his opponent’s legacy.
This collaboration between MMA and music culture makes UFC 318 one of the most anticipated events of the year.
FAQs
Who is fighting for the BMF belt at UFC 318?
Max Holloway and Dustin Poirier are facing off in a trilogy fight for the BMF title.
Why do Poirier and Holloway want Lil Wayne to present the belt?
Poirier is a Louisiana native and longtime fan of Lil Wayne, who will walk him out. Both fighters believe the rapper deserves the honor.
What is the BMF title in UFC?
The BMF (Baddest Motherf*cker) belt is a symbolic title created in 2019 for high-profile, action-packed fighters. It’s not tied to traditional weight classes or rankings.
Has a celebrity ever presented the BMF belt before?
Yes. Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Jorge Masvidal, and Mark Coleman have all presented the belt in previous BMF title fights.
Where and when is UFC 318 taking place?
UFC 318 takes place Saturday at the Smoothie King Center in New Orleans, airing on ESPN+ pay-per-view.
