Jon Anik has a strong opinion on who should be next in line for the BMF title.
As reigning BMF champion Max Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) prepares to headline UFC 318 this Saturday in New Orleans against Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC), speculation is already building about the belt’s future. With Poirier expected to retire following the bout, UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik has shared his thoughts on a potential successor.
Anik believes Dan Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) would be an ideal contender. Known for his grit and all-action style, Hooker has long been one of the most durable and exciting fighters in the UFC’s lightweight division — making him, in Anik’s view, a natural fit for the BMF mantle.
"Dan Hooker, I think, is the most worthy fighter across every division who has never fought for the BMF title to get an opportunity to do so," Anik said recently during an interview with Submission Radio. "A fight between Max Holloway and Dan Hooker, I think makes a lot of sense for the BMF title if Max Holloway were to successfully defend it here against Dustin Poirier."
Holloway claimed the BMF title in stunning fashion last April, delivering a walk-off knockout against Justin Gaethje in the final seconds of their epic five-round battle at UFC 300. While “Blessed” briefly returned to the featherweight division in October—where he came up short against Ilia Topuria in a title fight—Jon Anik believes the version of Holloway who fought at UFC 300 could turn heads again this weekend.
If that Holloway shows up in New Orleans and spoils Dustin Poirier’s retirement sendoff, Anik suggests he may set his sights beyond just defending the BMF belt—possibly eyeing a rematch with the newly crowned lightweight champion, Topuria.
"As much as I love the BMF title, and I really do, I have come around in totality, full circle on that thing," Anik continued. "When it was first introduced, I had a little pause, but I think Max Holloway needs to be in the business of chasing undisputed world championships. I think he is probably going to utter as much with me in the fighter meeting next week.
"So if Max Holloway successfully defends this belt against Dustin Poirier, I'm not sure it makes a ton of sense depending on the style points and the performance, and the fight itself, for him to make another BMF title defense – even though a Holloway-Hooker BMF title fight makes a lot of sense. I think if Max wins this fight, he's going to be talking about the undisputed lightweight championship, and rightfully so. That belt is gold, and it just means a whole lot more to his legacy, which is already Hall of Fame-worthy. But I think he would love to give it another push."
