Dustin Poirier has confirmed that UFC 318 will mark the final fight of his legendary career. However, a victory for “The Diamond” on July 19 could leave the promotion with a significant dilemma surrounding one of its most polarizing titles: the BMF belt.
Daniel Cormier Predicts BMF Belt’s Future Following Dustin Poirier Fight
Poirier will face Max Holloway in the main event of UFC 318, which will be held in New Orleans as a homecoming card for the Louisiana native. Despite both legends having almost no achievements left to attain in the sport, the stakes remain high as Holloway’s BMF championship will be on the line.
However, UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier warns that Poirier’s victory could have unintended consequences.
Cormier voiced concerns that the belt, which has always had an aura of legend around it, may effectively disappear if Poirier retires as champion. “Hey, BMF title gets defended in New Orleans. Dustin Poirier wins the BMF title and walks away, title goes out the door with him… That’s the danger,” the former double champ said on ESPN MMA’s “Good Guy/Bad Guy” show.
He noted that although many fans dismiss the BMF belt as a gimmick, it still holds weight because of who has held it—Jorge Masvidal, Justin Gaethje, and Max Holloway.
According to “DC”, UFC leadership needs to prepare for that outcome.
“Dana White, Hunter Campbell, it is a retirement fight, and the loser leaves town. Essentially, a loser leaves the town match. Dustin Poirier leaves town. He takes the belt with him. That’s it. BMF title is gone,” Cormier further added.
⚡️🏆Daniel Cormier believes the UFC will drop the BMF title if Poirier wins at #UFC318:
"Dustin Poirier wins the title and walks away. Title goes out the door with him."
🎥 @espnmma ▫️ pic.twitter.com/rM4tP2G46z
— Home of Fight (@Home_of_Fight) April 30, 2025
Should the BMF Title Be Retired?
The BMF title was introduced at UFC 244 and was initially conceived as a one-off. But its cult status led to multiple successors, and now a potential exit, as per Cormier. Dustin Poirier winning and retiring with it could be poetic — a final statement from a fighter known for grit, violence, and heart.
Some believe the UFC could revive the title in another division down the road, but for now, its future may hang entirely on the outcome in New Orleans. If Poirier wins, the BMF belt may ride off into the sunset with him, just as divisive and iconic as ever.
Speaking to MMA Junkie, Din Thomas said, “To be honest, the game ain’t really full of BMFs like it used to be. We’ve got athletes chasing money fights, not moments. If they retire the BMF belt with Dustin, I’m okay with that.”
As for the fight, the rivalry dates back to 2012, when a young Holloway debuted in the UFC and was submitted by Poirier. Seven years later, they clashed again for the interim lightweight title, with Poirier winning a five-round war. Now, 13 years after their first meeting, the trilogy will conclude with legacy and the BMF gold on the line.
Whether it marks an end or a new beginning, UFC 318 could change the trajectory of the belt and the promotion, with one final swing of “The Diamond.”