• Jorge Masvidal responded after Max Holloway called the BMF belt a “laughing stock.”
• Masvidal defended the belt’s legacy and questioned Holloway’s timing.
• Holloway will defend the BMF title against Charles Oliveira at UFC 326.
• Masvidal says he’d welcome a stylistic matchup with Holloway and reminded fans he fought for the belt first.

Masvidal responds to Holloway’s ‘laughing stock’ comment

Jorge Masvidal, the inaugural BMF champion, pushed back after Max Holloway publicly described the BMF belt as a “laughing stock” in remarks made before he claimed the title. Masvidal addressed the comments during an interview on The Ariel Helwani Show, defending the belt’s history and questioning Holloway’s sudden attachment to it.

“I love Max as a fighter, that’s his opinion, and it’s an opinion,” Masvidal said. “I think he’s one of the best to ever do it. He’s a dog when he goes in there. But whether it had been me or Nate fighting Max, it wasn’t going to be his best night either.”

Why Masvidal took offense

Masvidal made clear he wasn’t eager to escalate a feud but felt the comment stung because he was one of the original holders of the BMF title. He noted Holloway’s evolving relationship with the belt — from calling it a joke to now defending it and parading it around following a high-profile win.

“Yeah, I guess, because I competed for it first. But at the same time, I don’t take offense to it,” Masvidal added. “He’s had both belts so… he can go with ‘I don’t need that other belt.’ But now he fought for the belt, loves the belt, and that’s the one he parades the most around town. So it’s funny.”

Holloway’s upcoming defense and Masvidal’s future hints

Holloway is scheduled to return at UFC 326 to defend the BMF title against former lightweight champion Charles Oliveira. The matchup puts Holloway’s recent comments under fresh scrutiny as he steps into a high-stakes fight wearing the belt he once dismissed.

Masvidal, meanwhile, has hinted at other plans — including teasing a potential spectacle bout rumored to take place at the White House and whispers of a match-up with Conor McGregor. He also told Helwani he’d welcome a fight with Holloway purely as a stylistic test, insisting he believes his stand-up would give him the edge.

Watch the full exchange

You can watch Masvidal’s full response on The Ariel Helwani Show here: https://www.youtube.com/live/haZ-7o6TGOQ?si=uwXRjm61xEthDJc0

What it means for the BMF legacy

The back-and-forth highlights how the BMF title — created as a high-profile, fan-driven accolade — still sparks debate among top fighters. For Masvidal, the title remains a badge of honor from early in his UFC run. For Holloway, the belt is the latest highlight in an elite career that has seen him hold flagship lightweight gold and now the BMF hardware.

Whether the sniping continues may depend on future matchups. For now, UFC fans can expect more fireworks: Holloway’s defense at UFC 326 and the possibility Masvidal pursues marquee match-ups that keep the BMF discussion alive.

Image Referance: https://www.bjpenn.com/mma-news/jorge-masvidal/jorge-masvidal-hits-back-max-holloway-bmf-belt-laughing-stock/