One of the biggest stars in Hollywood will bestow the BMF belt on the main event winner at UFC 244 on Saturday.
Dwayne Johnson, also known as The Rock, confirmed Tuesday in an Instagram Live video with UFC president Dana White that he will be putting the mythical “baddest m—–f—–” title on the winner of the fight between Nate Diaz and Jorge Masvidal at Madison Square Garden. The belt is being created specifically for this fight, which features two grizzled veterans known for their no-nonsense styles inside and outside the Octagon.
“This addition to the company and the brand and to the sport, this BMF belt, I think it’s brilliant,” Johnson said. “It’s so smart and it’s just fun, man.”
Masvidal, a South Florida native, initially asked The Rock on social media if he could put the belt on him if he won. Johnson played football at the University of Miami before rising to fame in WWE.
Johnson said he will also be at a UFC press conference Friday, promising an announcement of “something I wanted to tell the UFC fans and MMA community first.” Johnson is represented by Endeavor, the agency that also owns the UFC.
UFC 244 is sure to be a star-studded event at MSG. It’s perhaps the biggest card of the year for the UFC.
“That place is gonna be rocking, it’s gonna be electrifying,” Johnson said. “I can’t win to get in there, man.”