Dan Hooker Criticizes Charles Oliveira and UFC Over BMF Title Direction

UFC lightweight Dan Hooker believes the promotion's symbolic 'BMF' title has strayed far from its original purpose and should be put to rest. The belt is scheduled to be contested again on Dec. 12 in the main event of UFC 335, where reigning champion Charles Oliveira will face Diego Lopes. Oliveira claimed the title by securing a dominant decision victory over Max Holloway at UFC 326, though his grappling-heavy approach drew criticism from observers expecting a stand-up brawl.

Speaking to Submission Radio, Hooker expressed frustration with how the title has evolved, pointing directly to Oliveira's recent performance. "It was cool for a bit and then he kind of made it not cool," Hooker said. "I think he killed it." The BMF championship was originally created after Nate Diaz cut a fiery promo at UFC 241, setting up an inaugural clash against Jorge Masvidal. The belt was later won by Justin Gaethje against Dustin Poirier, before Holloway captured it with an iconic showing at UFC 300.

According to Hooker, the belt was meant for rugged brawlers with turbulent records rather than polished contenders or well-mannered fighters. "They should have kept it like Nate Diaz, Masvidal kind of shit," Hooker explained, noting that fighters like himself and Bobby Green fit the original mold. "That was the guys whose careers are a f*cking mess.

'Gamebred' was hot and cold for a minute, Nate Diaz, all our records are a f*cking mess... they let too many nice guys have a crack."

Despite his dissatisfaction with the narrative surrounding the BMF belt, Hooker noted that he is still looking forward to the Oliveira vs. Lopes matchup itself, even if the championship stakes feel perfunctory.