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.

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.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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SOCIAL MEDIA BOUILLABAISSE

Jeremy Stephens at the hospital.

Only goons are saying that.

Everyone was very upset about this.

Never throw back free beer.

Statement.

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

Dustin trying to jump right back into it.

Perry would like a little more invasion of his privacy.

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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.

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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.

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EXIT POLL

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