Jon Anik sees one UFC lightweight as the perfect candidate for the next BMF title fight.

Max Holloway (26-8 MMA, 22-8 UFC) defends his BMF title against the retiring Dustin Poirier (30-9 MMA, 22-8 UFC) in Saturday's UFC 318 (pay-per-view, ESPN, ESPN+) main event at Smoothie King Center in New Orleans.

Jorge Masvidal, Nate Diaz, Justin Gaethje, Poirier, and Holloway have all been involved since the introduction of the BMF title, and Anik wants to see Dan Hooker's name in the mix.

"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 told 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."

However, if Holloway gets past Poirier, Anik admits he'd rather see him go after the UFC lightweight title over another BMF title defense.

"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."

This article originally appeared on MMA Junkie: Jon Anik gives take on 'most worthy' BMF title challenger post UFC 318

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