The UFC's Title Tango: Why Arman Tsarukyan's BMF Dreams Are on Hold
The MMA world is buzzing with the latest twist in the Arman Tsarukyan vs. Charles Oliveira saga. Reports suggest their highly anticipated rematch at UFC 331 won’t be for Oliveira’s BMF title, leaving fans and analysts alike scratching their heads. Personally, I think this decision speaks volumes about the UFC’s strategic priorities—and it’s not just about the fighters.
The BMF Belt: A Symbol or a Sideshow?
Let’s start with the BMF title itself. When Charles Oliveira snatched it from Max Holloway in March, the grappling-heavy victory sparked debates. Was it a masterclass in technique, or a controversial win that diluted the belt’s prestige? In my opinion, the BMF title has always been more symbolic than substantive. It’s a marketing gimmick, a way to hype fights without the weight of a legitimate championship. What makes this particularly fascinating is how the UFC seems to be backpedaling on its own creation. By stripping the BMF stipulation from Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira 2, they’re essentially admitting it’s not a priority—or worse, it’s become a liability.
Tsarukyan’s Frustration: A Tale of Timing and Tactics
Arman Tsarukyan has been vocal about his title aspirations, even hinting that Oliveira’s BMF belt was his next target. But here’s the kicker: his own actions may have delayed his championship dreams. His pull-out from UFC 311 and subsequent focus on wrestling matches kept him out of the title picture for 18 months. From my perspective, this is a classic case of a fighter’s ambition clashing with the UFC’s timeline. Tsarukyan’s talent is undeniable, but the UFC’s reluctance to grant him a title shot—BMF or otherwise—suggests they’re not convinced he’s ready for prime time.
The UFC’s Bigger Picture: Divisional Gold Takes Priority
One thing that immediately stands out is the UFC’s decision to prioritize other matchups for UFC 331. Joshua Van vs. Alexandre Pantoja, a flyweight title rematch, is confirmed, while Kayla Harrison vs. Amanda Nunes—a bantamweight title fight—has been postponed. What this really suggests is that the UFC is doubling down on legitimate championship bouts rather than symbolic titles. If you take a step back and think about it, this makes strategic sense. The BMF belt was always a sideshow, and the UFC seems to be refocusing on what truly matters: divisional dominance and legacy-defining fights.
Oliveira’s Legacy: Grappler or Gatekeeper?
Charles Oliveira’s career is a study in contrasts. He’s a submission wizard with a penchant for controversy. His BMF win over Holloway was met with mixed reactions, and now, the UFC’s decision to exclude the title from his rematch with Tsarukyan raises questions. What many people don’t realize is that Oliveira’s legacy is at a crossroads. Is he a dominant champion or a transitional figure? This fight could have been a chance to solidify his BMF status, but without the title on the line, it feels like a missed opportunity.
The Future of the BMF Belt: A Dying Gimmick?
This raises a deeper question: does the BMF title even have a future? If the UFC is willing to sideline it for a high-profile matchup like Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira, what does that say about its relevance? Personally, I think the BMF belt is on borrowed time. It was a fun experiment, but the UFC’s focus on divisional titles and legitimate contenders makes it feel increasingly redundant.
Final Thoughts: A Fight Worth Watching, Title or Not
Despite the absence of the BMF belt, Tsarukyan vs. Oliveira 2 is still a must-watch. Both fighters are at the top of their game, and their styles promise an explosive matchup. A detail that I find especially interesting is how this fight will shape their trajectories. For Tsarukyan, it’s a chance to prove he belongs in the title conversation. For Oliveira, it’s an opportunity to silence critics and reaffirm his dominance.
In the end, the UFC’s decision to exclude the BMF title is less about the fighters and more about the organization’s evolving priorities. As a fan and analyst, I’m intrigued by what this means for the future of MMA. Are we moving away from gimmicks and toward a purer focus on skill and legacy? Only time will tell. But one thing’s for sure: this fight will be a spectacle, title or not.
