Overview
- On Tuesday Hooker told Submission Radio that Charles Oliveira 'killed' the BMF belt by using grappling in his title-winning performance and that the belt has lost its original appeal.
- Oliveira captured the BMF belt at UFC 326 with a grappling-heavy unanimous decision over Max Holloway, a result that drew fan backlash for feeling out of step with the belt's brawling image.
- The UFC has scheduled Oliveira to defend the BMF title against Diego Lopes in the main event of UFC 335 on Dec. 12 in Las Vegas, and Oliveira has said he will not abandon grappling in BMF fights.
- Hooker says he could reclaim the BMF identity if he beats Brian Ortega on Nov. 21 and Lopes defeats Oliveira, a sequence he described as his likely route to a title shot.
- The dispute raises broader questions for the UFC about whether a symbolic belt should enforce a fighting style, and it could affect matchmaking, fighter branding, and fan interest in future BMF fights.