The BMF title is set to be defended for the sixth time ever at UFC 335, and one lightweight legend believes this matchup truly lives up to the belt’s unique reputation. Former UFC and Bellator champion Eddie Alvarez has expressed his support for the Dec. 12 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas (streaming on Paramount+), where current BMF titleholder Charles Oliveira will face challenger Diego Lopes.
There were doubts about whether the BMF belt would continue after Oliveira captured it from Max Holloway in a lackluster showdown at UFC 326 this past March. However, Alvarez sees the Oliveira vs. Lopes fight (Oliveira with a 37-11 MMA and 25-11 UFC record, Lopes with a 28-8 MMA and 7-3 UFC record) as a battle that truly reflects what the BMF belt represents.
“Absolutely,” Alvarez told MMA Junkie about the UFC 335 main event. “That’s like a tornado meeting a volcano. What a fight that will be. I’d love to see that headline a main card. That’s definitely BMF-worthy. Both guys have exceptional jiu-jitsu, so watching them battle on the ground will be amazing, and standing up will be just as thrilling. This fight will showcase the full spectrum of mixed martial arts and go wherever the action takes us.”
Alvarez himself would have been an ideal contender for the BMF championship had it existed during his active UFC career, as the title was only introduced after he had already left the promotion. The BMF title made its debut in 2019 when Jorge Masvidal defeated Nate Diaz at UFC 244. Since then, notable BMF fights include Justin Gaethje defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 291, Max Holloway beating Gaethje at UFC 300, Holloway overcoming Poirier at UFC 318, and Oliveira besting Holloway at UFC 326.
This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Ex-UFC champ: Charles Oliveira vs. Diego Lopes is ‘BMF worthy for sure’
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Fan Take: This upcoming UFC 335 headliner is exciting because it promises a raw, no-holds-barred clash that reminds fans why the BMF title exists—highlighting fighters who bring grit, skill, and heart. A fight like Oliveira vs. Lopes could not only electrify audiences but also elevate the status of the BMF belt as a symbol of fearless competition in MMA.
Source: sports.yahoo.com
