Is Alex Pereira The Real BMF Champion?

Joe Rogan believes UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira, and not the current titleholder Max Holloway, is the actual BMF champion. 

Holloway, who won the belt after stopping Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 in April 2024, has had two fights since then. A stoppage defeat to Ilia Topuria followed at UFC 308 in October 2024, as he missed out on the featherweight title. However, the BMF belt was not on the line, as Holloway retained his title. Max bounced back from that loss by beating Dustin Poirier at UFC 318 in July to retain his BMF title.

Rogan, though, argues the UFC should make a BMF fight between Pereira and Jon Jones, which would show Pereira’s willingness to face anyone. Alex has beaten all of his opponents at light heavyweight, having avenged his loss to Magomed Ankalaev by stopping him at UFC 320 this month, which shows his BMF credentials. 

“Alex still is the light heavyweight champion; make it a catchweight fight. It doesn’t have to be for a title Make it the ‘Bad Mother**cker upper edition.’ You have the ‘BMF’ belt for 155’ers. Who is the real BMF? Do you think any one of those guys can beat Alex Pereira? You think you can get a 155-pounder in there against Alex Pereira? Does Max Holloway survive against Alex Pereira? No! Shut the f**k up. That’s the bad mother**cker,” Rogan said

The Reality

The most compelling evidence for Pereira’s BMF credentials is his knockout power. Alex has stopped all of his opponents at light heavyweight except for Jan Blachowicz. Alex has shown that he is willing to do everything to secure the win. Pereira suffered a broken toe weeks before the Jamahal Hill fight at UFC 300, and yet, he still knocked out his opponent. Pereira also suffered a broken toe during the Ankalaev rematch, but was still able to get the win.

And yet, Holloway earned the title by officially stopping Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 with one of the greatest knockouts in UFC history. Max then went on to defend the title by defeating Dustin Poirier at UFC 318. By the UFC’s established criteria, the status of the BMF is determined by these victories. Holloway has consistently demonstrated the “BMF” spirit by moving up in weight and challenging the most dangerous, durable strikers, such as Gaethje.