Max Holloway: UFC's BMF Title Holder and Fighting Icon
Max Holloway is a former UFC featherweight champion and arguably the most deserving holder of the UFC's symbolic BMF (Baddest Mother F***er) title.
Since its introduction in 2019, the commemorative BMF belt has been awarded to fighters such as Jorge Masvidal, known for his no-nonsense approach, and Justin Gaethje, recognized for his knockout power. Both fighters have had defining moments in their UFC careers, but none as impactful as Holloway's.
At the landmark UFC 300 event in 2024, Holloway made a memorable gesture by pointing to the ground with 10 seconds remaining in the fight, inviting Gaethje to stand and exchange strikes. As both fighters swung aggressively and the crowd roared, Holloway landed the decisive blow with just one second left, causing Gaethje to fall face-down on the canvas.
"You feel like 'oh man, this is crazy. Let's do this, this is the shot, the chance'," Holloway told . "Gaethje was the right place, right time. Everything lined up. Being able to go toe to toe with one of the scariest punchers in the division makes you feel alive."
Holloway’s Point-Down Gesture and Its Origins
Holloway, 34, first used the point-down gesture in 2016 against Ricardo Lamas and repeated it against Dustin Poirier last year when he became the first fighter to defend the BMF title. In every instance where Holloway has initiated the point-down, he has been leading on the judges' scorecards and nearing victory, effectively giving his opponent one last chance to change the fight's outcome.
"My coaches aren't a fan of it, they want me to circle away, stay away and be smart for the 10 seconds," Holloway explained.
"But they come up with great game plans and we execute it to that point. So let me have my 10 seconds of fun, you know. If I'm on the wrong end, then so be it."
Fans often imitate the point-down gesture during meet-and-greet events with Holloway, and fellow fighters have also adopted it during bouts. Charles Oliveira, who will face Holloway for the BMF title at UFC 326 in Las Vegas on Saturday, has been filmed training specifically for the intense exchanges that follow the point-down.
Holloway has established a set of rules for any fighter, including Oliveira, who plans to initiate the point-down.
"If you're winning the fight, you are the person who can call the 10 seconds. And then when you call the 10 seconds, you cannot step back, or shoot or clinch," Holloway said. "The other guy, if he obliges and then shoots or clinches, whatever, because he's on the losing side already."
Record-Breaking Career and Upcoming Challenge
Holloway, a former featherweight champion before capturing the BMF belt at lightweight, is widely regarded as a future UFC Hall-of-Famer. The Hawaiian holds the record for the most significant strikes landed in UFC history with 3,655, which is 1,348 strikes more than second-placed Sean Strickland, who has 2,307.
At featherweight, Holloway holds several records including the most wins in UFC history with 20, the most finishes with 11, and the longest win streak with 13.
His upcoming opponent, Brazil's Charles Oliveira, is also a future Hall-of-Famer. Oliveira holds the record for the most finishes in any division with 20 and the most submission wins with 17.
Holloway defeated Oliveira in 2015 but anticipates a different type of fight at the T-Mobile Arena on Saturday.
"Charles said the first time we fought he was a jiu-jitsu guy but now he's an MMA guy, so the opportunity is great," Holloway said.
Goals Beyond the BMF Title
Despite his accomplishments, Holloway remains focused on winning a world title at lightweight. The current lightweight champion is Ilia Topuria, who defeated Holloway in 2024 at featherweight, while Justin Gaethje holds the interim lightweight title after beating Paddy Pimblett in January.
With a convincing victory over Oliveira, Holloway aims to challenge the winner of a potential unification bout between Topuria and Gaethje later this year.
"It's great, everything has gone great, but we're not done yet," Holloway said. "I've got a bunch more goals I want to do. I want to become undisputed champion in another weight class. There's very few people who have been able to do that. There's no time to smell roses just yet, I've got to keep chugging along."
Additional UFC News
In related news, UFC champion Tom Aspinall has signed with Eddie Hearn's new talent agency, with UFC President Dana White stating there are "no issues" regarding the deal.
Fans and MMA stars continue to react to UFC events, including the recent White House visit by UFC fighters.
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