UFC lightweight champion Islam Makhachev isn’t a fan of the promotion’s novelty “BMF” belt. Makhachev is likely to fight the winner of UFC 291’s headliner, fought between Dustin Poirier and Justin Gaethje for the “BMF” title, and the 155-pound champ has zero interest in competing for a title he says is “for the bums.”
“I don’t want that s***. This belt for the bums, you know? First time, who fight for this belt? Nate Diaz and [Jorge] Masvidal. The people who never can be champion, you know?
Islam Makhachev: UFC BMF Belt “For The Bums”
They give him some belt. ‘Guys, be happy. Fight for BMF.’ Bro, what is this? I don’t know. They have to stop this after this (laughs). Stop.
Gaethje and Poirier, I don’t know when, they fight for the real belt many times and they always lose, you know? Now Dana [White] like good guy, give them other belt. ‘Guys, you have to be BMF champion.’
Honestly, if somebody give me this belt tomorrow, I don’t want this s***. Of course, brother. Keep this away from me. Never say this fight gonna be vs. lightweight champion and BMF champion. Never say this, okay?”
Makhachev also went on to discuss his confidence in facing either man. Makhachev expects to see Dustin Poirier repeat the feat from his earlier clash with Gaethje, earning a victory. He also expects to handily defeat either man, regardless of the result.
Although Makhachev is widely expected to face former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira next, the winner of the UFC 291 main event is likely to enter title contention soon. Both Poirier and Gaethje faced Oliveira and lost during the Brazilian’s title reign, and will be itching for the chance to secure UFC gold.
“I can beat them. I can fight with Poirier or Gaethje but I don’t need this BMF s***, brother. That’s it.
I can beat these guys easy. I think better fight for me [is] with Gaethje or Poirier because, for the fans, the people gonna watch this fight. But without this belt, please. I can say, ‘Dana. Tell this guy keep this belt in the home, come to the fight.’
I think Poirier gonna beat him. What Gaethje have for Poirier? Nothing. Poirier have good boxing, better than Gaethje, and that’s it.
It’s gonna be boxing match. [Gaethje] looked good in this match [against Rafael Fiziev] but Poirier I think is different level. Fiziev and [Michael] Chandler, these guys good but not top level.”
