Jorge Masvidal Defends BMF Legacy: “You Can’t End It Now”

Jorge Masvidal isn’t ready to let the BMF era fade away not now, and not because of criticism surrounding Charles Oliveira. The inaugural BMF champion made it clear this week: the belt still matters. And in his eyes, Oliveira is still worthy of carrying it.

Masvidal, who introduced the BMF title to the sport with his 2019 win over Nate Diaz at UFC 244, pushed back strongly against calls to retire the belt.

Those calls intensified after Oliveira’s unanimous decision win over Max Holloway at UFC 326 a fight criticized for its grappling-heavy approach, including nearly 21 minutes of control time. “You get another BMF fight going that’s all you can do,” Masvidal said. “You can’t end it now.”

The criticism centered around whether Oliveira’s performance reflected the “BMF spirit,” which many fans associate with striking-heavy, action-packed fights.

Masvidal disagrees. He argued Oliveira wasn’t stalling he was working. “He was getting to good positions, elbowing, trying to finish… that’s not a bad performance,” Masvidal explained.

While acknowledging the style may not have thrilled every fan, Masvidal emphasized that dominance and intent to finish still embody what the BMF title represents.

Full-Circle Moment

Masvidal also pointed to the deeper storyline behind Oliveira’s win. Years earlier, Holloway handed Oliveira a loss making this victory a form of redemption. “To come back and beat the guy that made you quit? That’s BMF in itself,” Masvidal said. Even if the fight didn’t deliver fireworks, the narrative carried weight.

Masvidal didn’t stop at defending the present he also mapped out the future. His ideal next BMF fight? A rematch between Oliveira and Arman Tsarukyan.

The two previously fought at UFC 300 in April 2024, where Tsarukyan edged out a close split decision victory. “The first fight was close,” Masvidal said. “Run it back.”

Stakes Beyond the BMF Belt

Both Oliveira and Tsarukyan are currently chasing a bigger prize a shot at the undisputed lightweight title. That picture will become clearer after the upcoming unification bout between Ilia Topuria and Justin Gaethje at UFC Freedom 250.

But Masvidal believes a decisive win in a BMF rematch could eliminate any doubt. “If Arman goes out there and stops Oliveira no questions asked. You’re next,” he said.

More Than Just a Belt

The BMF title has always existed outside the traditional championship structure part spectacle, part statement. From Masvidal’s iconic win over Diaz, to Justin Gaethje and Holloway carrying the torch, it has evolved into one of the UFC’s most unique storylines.

Now, with Oliveira at the center of controversy, the question isn’t whether the BMF belt still matters. It’s what it represents going forward.

Masvidal’s stance is clear: The BMF title isn’t dead it just needs its next moment. And if he has his way, that moment comes in the form of Oliveira vs. Tsarukyan II with pride, legitimacy, and perhaps a title shot all on the line.