Following the conclusion of the 16th Annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards in Las Vegas, Centurion FC extends its congratulations to all winners, with a special commendation for The Fighting Nerds, a gym that has long provided exceptional athletes to the CFC roster.

On December 5th, inside The Theater at Virgin Hotels, the MMA world gathered to celebrate the sport’s finest achievements spanning July 2023 through June 2024. Hosted by UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, the evening delivered a lineup of winners that underscored MMA’s global growth, technical evolution, and the unyielding spirit of its competitors.

Standout Performances and Familiar Faces
Brazil’s Alex Pereira earned the Charles Lewis Fighter of the Year nod, reinforcing his position at the pinnacle of the sport. Among the women, Zhang Weili’s dominance clinched Female Fighter of the Year, cementing her status as a top pound-for-pound force. Tom Aspinall’s rapid ascent, following a challenging injury comeback, made him a natural choice for Breakthrough Fighter of the Year.

In the International Fighter of the Year category, Dricus du Plessis took home the honor, reflecting the sport’s increasing parity and talent depth across continents. His victory in a highly competitive field highlighted the global expansion of elite MMA—something that resonates strongly with CFC’s own mission to showcase diverse talent from around the world.

Unforgettable Moments in the Cage
A night of extraordinary fighting requires proper recognition for the duels and finishes that will be replayed for years to come. The Fight of the Year went to the historical clash between Max Holloway and Justin Gaethje at UFC 300—a bout that blended top-tier technique with relentless heart. Holloway also secured Knockout of the Year in that same legendary encounter, proving that sometimes the year’s best fight and its best finish can happen under the same lights.

Diego Lopes took Submission of the Year honors for a masterful triangle-armbar combination—another reminder that grappling artistry remains a bedrock of MMA. Aspinall’s perseverance was again highlighted, as he won Comeback of the Year, showing that resilience and the ability to rebound can be just as noteworthy as wins and losses.

A Special Note on The Fighting Nerds
Centurion FC is particularly proud to see The Fighting Nerds gym crowned as Gym of the Year. This victory is deeply meaningful to us at CFC, as The Fighting Nerds have consistently supplied our events with world-class talent—fighters who have stepped into the CFC cage and left fans buzzing with memorable performances.

Their recognition on the international stage validates their training methodologies and coaching excellence and shines a spotlight on the shared pipeline of talent that flows between The Fighting Nerds and CFC. From rising prospects to established contenders, the gym’s athletes have repeatedly exemplified the high-caliber standards we uphold. We look forward to welcoming more of their fighters into our arenas and continuing this fruitful collaboration.

Leaders, Personalities, and Industry Influencers
The Awards also acknowledged those who guide, present, and narrate the sport. Dana White unsurprisingly remained Leading Man, with the UFC taking Best Promotion—both outcomes reflecting the current landscape’s dominant presence. Jon Anik’s work behind the microphone captured Commentator of the Year, while Michael Bisping’s incisive analysis earned him Analyst of the Year.

For media and storytelling, Ariel Helwani was once again recognized as Journalist of the Year, and ESPN took the prize for MMA Media Source of the Year—affirming their roles in bringing crucial narratives to fans worldwide.

A Celebration of MMA’s Global Fabric
As the ceremony concluded, it became clear that these awards serve as more than a checklist of victories. They shine a light on rising gyms like The Fighting Nerds, honor legends like Mark Coleman with a Lifetime Achievement Award, and celebrate the bold upsets, heroic comebacks, and unforgettable techniques that define MMA’s essence.

Centurion FC views these distinctions as a reminder of our own mission: to elevate the sport by promoting top-tier athletes, nurturing talent from diverse backgrounds, and ensuring fans witness the very best MMA has to offer. We celebrate each winner and nominee, and we especially commend The Fighting Nerds for representing the quality and integrity that make MMA a truly global endeavor.

Here’s to another year of extraordinary fights, new challengers, and unexpected breakthroughs—both in CFC’s arenas and throughout the entire MMA landscape.