The 16th Annual World MMA Awards are set to honor the best in mixed martial arts from 2024.

December 5, 2024

The mixed martial arts community is buzzing with anticipation as the 2024 World MMA Awards approach. Hosted by UFC veteran Chael Sonnen, the prestigious event will take place on Thursday night and will be televised on ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET. The awards celebrate outstanding achievements in MMA over the past year, recognizing fighters, coaches, gyms, and media outlets that have made significant contributions to the sport.

As the excitement builds, let’s take a closer look at the nominees in some of the key categories and the leading contenders vying for top honors.

Fighter of the Year

• Alex Pereira
• Alexandre Pantoja
• Dricus du Plessis
• Islam Makhachev
• Renan Ferreira

This category features some of the most dominant fighters of the year. Islam Makhachev, the UFC Lightweight Champion, has solidified his position with impressive victories, while Alex Pereira has made waves moving up to light heavyweight. Dricus du Plessis has emerged as a formidable contender with significant wins, making this category highly competitive.

Female Fighter of the Year

• Kayla Harrison
• Larissa Pacheco
• Liz Carmouche
• Raquel Pennington
• Zhang Weili

Zhang Weili reclaimed the UFC Strawweight Championship, showcasing her exceptional skills and resilience. Kayla Harrison continues to dominate in the PFL, and Larissa Pacheco has made significant strides, adding depth to this talented roster of female fighters.

Breakthrough Fighter of the Year

• Anatoly Malykhin
• Benoit Saint Denis
• Diego Lopes
• Ian Machado Garry
• Tom Aspinall

Rising stars like Ian Machado Garry and Tom Aspinall have captured the attention of fans with their impressive performances, signaling a new generation of talent in MMA. Benoit Saint Denis has also made a strong case with his recent fights.

International Fighter of the Year

• Chihiro Suzuki
• Dricus du Plessis
• Ilia Topuria
• Jack Della Maddalena
• Zhang Weili

This category highlights fighters who have made a significant impact on the international stage. Ilia Topuria and Jack Della Maddalena have shown exceptional skill, while Dricus du Plessis and Zhang Weili continue to elevate their profiles globally.

Fight of the Year

• Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Moreno (UFC 290)
• Clay Collard vs. Shane Burgos (PFL 9)
• Dan Hooker vs. Jalin Turner (UFC 290)
• Dustin Poirier vs. Benoit Saint Denis (UFC 299)
• Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje (UFC 300)

The ‘Fight of the Year’ category is stacked with bouts that delivered high-octane action and memorable moments. Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje is a standout, featuring two of the sport’s most exciting strikers in a battle that left fans on the edge of their seats. Meanwhile, Alexandre Pantoja vs. Brandon Moreno showcased technical brilliance and heart, further intensifying the competition in this category.

Analysts and fans have been debating which fight truly deserves the top honor. Notable MMA writers have highlighted several bouts:

• Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje: A striking masterclass culminating in a dramatic finish.
• Dustin Poirier vs. Islam Makhachev: Although not listed among the nominees, this fight has been discussed widely for its thrilling exchanges.
• Dan Hooker vs. Mateusz Gamrot: An absolute war ending in a split decision, reflecting the razor-thin margins at the elite level.
• Esteban Ribovics vs. Daniel Zellhuber: A violent, competitive clash that has been touted as a dark horse candidate for the award.

Knockout of the Year

• Josh Emmett vs. Bryce Mitchell – Overhand Right (UFC 296)
• Justin Gaethje vs. Dustin Poirier – Head Kick (UFC 291)
• Levy Carriel vs. Mathieu Rakotondrazanany – Head Kick (Brave CF 74)
• Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje – Overhand Right (UFC 300)
• Vinicius Oliveira vs. Bernardo Sopaj – Flying Knee (UFC Vegas 87)

Justin Gaethje’s head kick knockout of Dustin Poirier is a frontrunner, leaving fans and commentators in awe and solidifying Gaethje’s reputation as one of the most dangerous strikers in the sport.

Submission of the Year

• Alexander Volkov vs. Tai Tuivasa – Ezekiel Choke (UFC 293)
• Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez – Arm-Triangle Choke (UFC Mexico City)
• Da’Mon Blackshear vs. Jose Johnson – Twister (UFC Vegas 78)
• Diego Lopes vs. Gavin Tucker – Triangle Armbar (UFC Nashville)
• Islam Makhachev vs. Dustin Poirier – D’Arce Choke (UFC 302)

The submission victories in this category highlight the technical prowess of these athletes. Islam Makhachev’s D’Arce choke submission over Dustin Poirier demonstrated his grappling dominance at the highest level.

Upset of the Year

• Dricus du Plessis vs. Robert Whittaker (UFC 290)
• Jason Jackson vs. Yaroslav Amosov (Bellator 301)
• Neil Magny vs. Mike Malott (UFC 297)
• Ovince Saint Preux vs. Kennedy Nzechukwu (UFC Vegas 88)
• Sean Strickland vs. Israel Adesanya (UFC 293)

Sean Strickland’s victory over Israel Adesanya shocked the MMA world, making it a strong candidate for ‘Upset of the Year.’ His unorthodox style and relentless pressure dismantled one of the sport’s most dominant champions.

Comeback of the Year

• Brian Ortega vs. Yair Rodriguez (UFC Mexico City)
• Elves Brener vs. Guram Kutateladze (UFC Vegas 76)
• Jose Aldo (career)
• Rodolfo Bellato vs. Ihor Potieria (UFC Austin)
• Tom Aspinall (career)

Veteran fighters like Jose Aldo and Tom Aspinall have demonstrated resilience, overcoming setbacks to rejuvenate their careers, inspiring fans and fellow athletes alike.

Other Notable Categories

• Commentator of the Year
  • Brendan Fitzgerald
  • John Gooden
  • Jon Anik
  • Laura Sanko
  • Sean O’Connell
• Analyst of the Year
  • Dan Hardy
  • Din Thomas
  • Michael Bisping
  • Paul Felder
  • Sayif Saud
• Shawn Tompkins Coach of the Year
  • Eric Nicksick
  • Francisco Grasso
  • Marcos ‘Parrumpa’ DaMatta
  • Plinio Cruz
  • Tim Welch
• Gym of the Year
  • American Kickboxing Academy
  • American Top Team
  • Lobo Gym
  • The Fighting Nerds
  • Xtreme Couture
• Personality of the Year
  • Bruce Buffer
  • Chael Sonnen
  • Daniel Cormier
  • Nina-Marie Danielle
  • Joe Rogan

Fighting Spirit Award

This special award recognizes individuals who have shown extraordinary courage, resilience, and dedication:

• Gabriel Braga: Demonstrated heart and strength to overcome the loss of his father and coach.
• Leon Edwards: Showed composure and strength during unsportsmanlike mental antics by an opponent.
• Jim Miller: The only fighter to compete at UFC 100, UFC 200, and UFC 300, exemplifying endurance.
• Mark Coleman: Displayed bravery by fearlessly rescuing family and loved ones from a burning building.
• Thomas Paull: Showed resilience by successfully competing in MMA despite being deaf.

MMA Media Source of the Year

• MMA Fighting
• Sherdog
• MMA Junkie
• ESPN
• The Mac Life

These outlets have provided comprehensive coverage, in-depth analysis, and have been instrumental in bringing MMA news to fans worldwide.

MMA Journalist of the Year

• Ariel Helwani
• Aaron Bronsteter
• Oscar Willis
• Carlos Contreras Legaspi
• Nolan King

Journalists in this category have gone above and beyond in reporting, offering insightful interviews, breaking news, and thoughtful commentary.

Anticipation Builds Ahead of the Awards

The World MMA Awards not only celebrate the achievements of the past year but also generate discussions and excitement about the future of the sport. With such a competitive field of nominees, predicting the winners is no easy task. Fans and analysts alike are engaging in spirited debates over who deserves top honors in each category. Who do you think will get awarded? Comment down below!

Final Thoughts

As the MMA community eagerly awaits the announcement of the winners, one thing is certain: the past year has been filled with unforgettable moments, remarkable performances, and the continued growth of mixed martial arts globally. The 2024 World MMA Awards will shine a spotlight on those who have dedicated themselves to excellence in the sport.

Tune In

Don’t miss the World MMA Awards 2024, airing on ESPN+ at 11 p.m. ET. Join the conversation and see which of your favorite fighters and moments take home the honors.

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