Poatan is joining? 5 Brazilians who deserve UFC BMF status besides Charles do Bronx.

Charles do Bronx celebrates at the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

At UFC 326, Charles do Bronx is looking for another achievement in his already celebrated career. In the main event taking place this Saturday (7), in Las Vegas (USA), the Brazilian will face Max Holloway for the 'BMF' belt (baddest motherfucker). Furthermore, the former lightweight champion (up to 70,3 kg) is the first representative of the country to have the chance to win the symbolic title. Therefore, the SUPER LUTAS reporting team decided to list five Brazilian athletes who are worthy of the status for having the same profile.

Since Brazil is one of the leading countries in MMA history, several fighters could make up our team of tough guys. Interestingly, Charles himself, who paves the way for Brazilian athletes to dream of the 'BMF' belt, revealed that José Aldo would be on his list. However, SUPER LUTAS left the former featherweight king (up to 65,8 kg) out. Now, we present our ideal top 5, in no particular order of preference or bravery.

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Stake Brasil, official sponsor of the UFC.

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Diego lopes

Diego Lopes promotes UFC event. Photo: Reproduction/X/UFC

UFC sensation Diego Lopes has always made it clear that he accepts fighting anyone, anytime, anywhere. In fact, the Brazilian has stood out precisely because he's always ready to fight and isn't picky about his opponents. The best example proving that 'Franja' is a 'BMF' fighter was his attitude against Jean Silva.

After being defeated by Alexander Volkanovski in the featherweight title fight, Diego accepted the risk of facing the bad boy, who was outside the top 10. Confident in his skill level, the athlete shone and knocked out Jean in the second round, when he didn't need to have accepted the challenge. Now that he has lost the title fight again to the Australian, 'Franja', number two in the category, has once again made himself available to the UFC to face whoever is chosen.

Carlos Prates

Prates celebrates victory in the UFC. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Currently, Carlos Prates is one of the fighters who is most enjoyable to watch in action, not only because he is a natural knockout artist. Discovered through the 'Contender Series' in 2023, the Brazilian debuted in the UFC the following year and quickly won over the public and the company's top brass. In his first season in the world's largest MMA organization, the member of the 'Fighting Nerds' team fought four times and put on a show.

Therefore, in a short space of time, Prates was seen as one of the sport's top prospects. In that sequence, the Brazilian knocked out all his opponents, taking home four performance bonuses. By 2025, the athlete had established himself as a force in the division by knocking out Geoff Neal and former champion Leon Edwards after losing to Ian Garry that same year. And it didn't stop there.

At his peak weight class, 'The Nightmare' was in contention to challenge champion Islam Makhachev , but he made no demands. On the contrary, Prates opened the door to face the feared Michael Morales or Jack Della Maddalena , former title holder of the division. Now, the athlete is preparing to face JDM on May 2nd in Australia, in hostile territory, showing that he is a perfect fit for the 'BMF' status.

Alex Poatán

Poatan promotes UFC fight. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC

Alex Poatan is another emblematic case of a professional who loves his craft. A kickboxing star, the Brazilian transitioned to MMA at an advanced age to compete and, surprisingly, achieved immediate success in the UFC. Because he trains constantly, even when not fighting, and competes frequently, the renowned striker, with no time to waste in his new sport, impressed with his knockouts, became middleweight champion (up to 83,9 kg), and became a phenomenon of popularity.

It's true that when certain fighters reach a high level in the UFC, they tend to slow down and appear less frequently in the octagon. But that didn't happen with Poatan. Even as the light heavyweight champion (up to 93 kg), the athlete, showing rare commitment and professionalism, accepted last-minute fights to save events and, even without adequate preparation, succeeded, delivering brutal and memorable knockouts. In this way, the Brazilian proved to be a true 'BMF' (Big Fat Fighter).

Gilbert Durinho

Gilbert Burns can be proud of his attitude in MMA. When he was still a promising welterweight (up to 77,1 kg), the Brazilian gained prominence by challenging top fighters and making himself available to the UFC to fight frequently. He even accepted several last-minute fights and, due to his boldness and victories, even competed for the division title.

It's true that today, at 39 years old, Durinho is experiencing the worst phase of his career, with four consecutive losses, but despite the situation, he hasn't lost his courage and competitive spirit. So much so that the Brazilian, even at his advanced age for competition, embraces the role of weight class guardian, accepting to test up-and-coming MMA fighters. Having faced opponents of varying styles and from different generations, the veteran is worthy of being seen as a 'BMF' (Big Matchmaker).

Rafael dos Anjos

Dos Anjos celebrates his UFC victory. Photo: Reproduction/Facebook/UFC

Last but not least comes Rafael dos Anjos . Like Durinho, the Brazilian didn't have an easy life in the UFC and proved to be a true fighter. In the company since 2008, the athlete never refused fights and always faced elite competition. It's true that the jiu-jitsu specialist suffered, but, over time, he became a well-rounded fighter and lightweight champion.

Currently, Dos Anjos, 40, is nearing retirement from MMA, but anyone who thinks he'll change his attitude in the final stretch of his career is mistaken. Accustomed to facing the best and most dangerous lightweight and welterweight fighters, the Brazilian refuses to accept easy opponents, proving that his courage is rare in the sport. In fact, the number of top opponents RDA has faced over the years is so great that many compare him to the legendary Dan Henderson , seen as the personification of the 'BMF' fighter.

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