Not too long ago, Dana White said that Nate Diaz was not a needle-mover. Oh how the times have changed. Now, not only has the UFC President acknowledged his folly, saying that Diaz is in fact a needle-mover, but he’s co-opted Diaz’s idea for the Baddest Motherf*cker in the Game title and is plunging full steam ahead with it.

After UFC 241, Diaz proclaimed himself to be the Baddest Motherf*cker in the Game and suggested he would next defend his self-appointed title against Jorge Masvidal. It was a stroke of genius and one that was met with almost unanimous praise. Fairly quickly, the fight was booked and Dana White even said he planned to have an official title belt commissioned for the event, though the belt would be a one-off scenario. But just because it’s a one-and-done kind of thing doesn’t mean the UFC is planning on pinching pennies. Speaking with TMZ Sports recently, White revealed that the belt itself going to cost about $50,000 to make.

“That’s a good question,” White said when asked about the belt. “I think it’s gonna be like, I think the belt’s like 50 grand.”

Now, while $50,000 is no small sum, some estimates have put the cost of the old UFC titles at close to $300,000, six times the cost of the BMF title. However, those numbers are unsubstantiated and are most likely significantly higher than the actual cost of the belts. But even if that is true, the BMF title will have something none of its other, more expensive cousins will have: the blessing of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson.

Shortly after Diaz vs. Masvidal was announced, The Rock chimed in on social media, saying he would do everything possible to make it to the fight and, when Masvidal said he wanted The Rock to be the one to wrap the belt around his waist when he won, Johnson said he was game.

Doing all I can to make this fight. If I can and you win, I’ll put the belt around your waist at MSG - consider it done. Already shaping up to be one of the biggest and most electrifying fights in @ufc history. Can’t wait. @GamebredFighter @NateDiaz209 #respect #BMF #UFC244 ⚡️ https://t.co/nVTIeBtkgv — Dwayne Johnson (@TheRock) September 9, 2019

Well, apparently Dana White is taking The Rock up on that offer. Not only will the winner of Diaz-Masvidal get a shiny new, entirely unique belt, but they’ll also be the only fighter in UFC history to be crowned a champion at the hands of The Rock because, according to Dana White, if Dwayne Johnson wants to do it, why wouldn’t he let him?

“He’s gonna [do it],” White said. “[Laughs]. He’s taking my job. Listen, if The Rock wants to do it, The Rock gets what The Rock wants.”

Here’s to hoping the next thing The Rock wants is a 165-pound division and knees to the head of a grounded opponent.

MUST-READ STORIES

Classy. UFC Mexico City video: Jeremy Stephens pelted with trash as he was rushed out of arena.

Ouch. Jeremy Stephens reports ‘deep scratch’ of eye, requests rematch with Yair Rodriguez

Noble. Yair Rodriguez gives Jeremy Stephens ‘benefit of the doubt’ on eye poke, ‘sad’ how fight ended.

Title fight. Max Holloway vs. Alexander Volkanovski set for UFC 245.

Trilogy. Dana White confirms Stipe Miocic vs. Daniel Cormier trilogy in the works.

MMA Retirements. Rashad Evans planning to fight again, receives release from UFC.

VIDEO STEW

UFC Mexico City post-fight show.

MixedMollyWhoppery is back in your earhole.

10 most egregious cheap shots in MMA history.

Relive the moment that made Michael Page a star.

Clarissa Shields still wants to fight Amanda Nunes.

LISTEN UP

The 6th Round. Immediate post-fight reaction to UFC Mexico City.

Severe MMA. Discussing Bellator Dublin, UFC Mexico City, and GSP vs. Khabib.

SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Jeremy Stephens at the hospital.

Tonight's No Contest in the #UFCMexico main event left @panteraufc questioning the severity of the eye injury. Here's @LiLHeathenMMA's response from the hospital moments ago: pic.twitter.com/tLMNvnQgFL — Karyn Bryant (@KarynBryant) September 22, 2019

Only goons are saying that.

Ppl saying Stephens wanted out of the fight?? He is one of the toughest and most dangerous guy in that division. I highly doubt he faked how severe that eye-poke affected him. I felt Yair would our point him with kicks, but tn we won’t get to find out...Sucks. #UFCMexico — Aljamain Sterling (@FunkMaster_UFC) September 22, 2019

Agreed, Stevens def not looking for a way out. You don’t put all the time and money into a camp and hope to get fouled right off the bat so you can leave. LMAO https://t.co/gD76M6mfkl — Chris Camozzi (@ChrisCamozzi) September 22, 2019

Everyone was very upset about this.

Wow. The disrespect. Shame on you guys! https://t.co/7EzfSByjXP — Bec Rawlings (@RowdyBec) September 22, 2019

Mexico should never receive another UFC event or worst case not for 3-4 years. Disgraceful behaviour #UFCMexico https://t.co/CUflwOvNqy — Damien Brown (@beatdown155) September 22, 2019

We all watched Jeremy put his blood sweat and tears into this camp, he trained at altitude for 6 weeks and left the arena getting punched in the back of the head by fans. Disgusting to blame a fighter for an unfortunate fight ending foul. He is the last person to fake an injury. — Angela Hill (@AngieOverkill) September 22, 2019

Never throw back free beer.

All I know is I started grabbing everything in site and chucking that shit back!!! — Brian Ortega (@BrianTcity) September 22, 2019

Statement.

RT Sports used a picture of Nunes while posting about trans athletes. Have since apologized.

What the Fuck? If I was born with a penis I wouldn’t be going through all this trouble to get @NinaAnsaroff a baby. @ufc @danawhite https://t.co/UmP2ySTWoF — Amanda Nunes (@Amanda_Leoa) September 21, 2019

Dustin trying to jump right back into it.

If he can't make it. I can ‍♂️ — The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) September 23, 2019

Perry would like a little more invasion of his privacy.

And why do I feel like USADA don’t be testing , me especially. Do I not look buff enough to create a concern ? I feel like Bruce lee — Platinum Mike Perry (@PlatinumPerry) September 21, 2019

FIGHT ANNOUNCEMENTS

Matt Wiman (16-8) vs. Joe Solecki (8-2); UFC on ESPN 7, Dec. 7.

Max Holloway (21-4) vs. Alexander Volkanovski (20-1); UFC 245, Dec. 14.

FINAL THOUGHTS

While I think Dana making the BMF title is a little iffy (50/50 chance it’s just an abomination) I love the idea of fictional titles and elevated pomp and circumstance. Next thing we need is a violenceweight crown of thorns to adorn Justin Gaethje’s head.

Thanks for reading! Have a great day.

EXIT POLL

Poll How do you feel about the BMF belt? This poll is closed. 67% I think it’s a fun one-off idea. (1260 votes)

17% I like the idea of it but don’t like it being a real belt. (334 votes)

14% I don’t like the idea. (269 votes) 1863 votes total Vote Now

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