Hello Bloody Elbonians.

So after reading the Trent Reinsmith post, I was thinking I had a pretty strong opinion of who I thought should be the next nominee, which I will propose below. But before we get started, let's throw out some parameters!

I think the BMF belt in essence was, as Trent mentioned, for a non-champ. Someone who seems like an outsider, who doesn't play the hype game, who isn't sponsored by Gatorade (should Xience count? hehe) and who isn't a social media darling, and who isn't adopting a lay and pray decision strategy. Now, for the record, I like a good wrestleboxer as much as the next formerly hardcore fan who is increasingly aware of and disgusted by the economics of the massive sport that is MMA and the utterly despicable labor practices espoused and employed by the UFC as well as its management's horrific opinions, and gradually sliding into casual territory and questioning the morality of his own fandom. But in this case, I'd give as historical example, Cowboy Cerrone fighting 5 times in one year, or for having 9 years in which he fought 4 times, I mean, Holy SHIT that's tough.

BJ Penn fighting people at all weight classes, or Wanderlei Silva fighting Open Weight and facing Mirko Cro Cop, or Mark Hunt for eating "Left Kick Cemetery's" flush and not getting KO'd and being a walk-off KO artist.

So the criteria is they've never been the champ (or interim champ, even? Sorry Dustin) and they've had enough of a record to demonstrate pedigree- so let's not talk about Chimaev here, not yet. These guys have to be dangerous, and unafraid, and not media manipulators.

For me, the no Championship prerequisite rules out Holloway, and frankly just that fact makes me think it's a questionable rule, because Max is a beast. But remember, this is based on one man's idea and he is the template we will use going forward- 209 style. Given that it's not Max Holloway, I'd say that the main dude I would recommend is:

Justin Gaethje.

Dude is scary. Takes risks. Fights like your worst nightmare chopping down legs and punching faces and bodies until they crumble. Doesn't talk a lot of shit and is famous for destroying outlandish shit-talkers. (Hello, James Vick!). Absolutely NO ONE wants a piece of him. By far the most unpleasant gatekeeper to face all time. Pretty sure he was never the interim, and though for a moment after a particular leg kick I thought he might end up a champ never was.

So how about we do a real old style BE poll:

Nominate your guy (or gal) below. I think they should still be active fighters, lets' say in the last 2 years? Also, read through the current nominations before posting, let's not double post anyone. Fighter with the most upvotes wins?

I hope you all have a good week. My thoughts are with Ukraine today.