The 16th annual World MMA Awards took place on Thursday at The Theatre at Virgin Hotels in Las Vegas. The event highlighted some of the most outstanding figures in the mixed martial arts industry. The awards ceremony celebrated various categories such as Fighter of the Year, Coach of the Year, and Promotion of the Year. The nomination period for these awards spanned from July 1, 2023, to June 30, 2024.
MMA Junkie was honored with a nomination for Media Source of the Year. Additionally, staff reporter Nolan King received a nomination for Journalist of the Year. Attendees and fans eagerly followed the live blog and announcement of the night’s winners.
The event included notable moments such as Alex Pereira discussing a confrontation with Jamahal Hill and Belal Muhammad providing a health update. Among the awards, Dana White’s Contender Series was recognized for Best MMA Programming, and Plinio Cruz won the Shawn Tompkins Coach of the Year.
Ariel Helwani was named MMA Journalist of the Year, and Dricus Du Plessis received the title of International Fighter of the Year. Other significant awards included the Fighting Spirit Award, given to Mark Coleman for his bravery, and Lifetime Achievement Award, also received by Coleman for his MMA career and personal triumphs.
ESPN was named the MMA Media Source of the Year, and Jon Anik was acknowledged as Commentator of the Year. Ian Larios earned the title of Trainer of the Year, while Dana White was recognized as the Leading Man of the Year.
Nina Drama was awarded Personality of the Year, and the UFC claimed Best Promotion. Tom Aspinall took home the Breakthrough Fighter of the Year and Comeback of the Year awards. Herb Dean was named Referee of the Year, with Michael Bisping receiving accolades as Analyst of the Year.
Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 earned Fight of the Year, and Sean Strickland’s victory over Israel Adesanya at UFC 293 was named Upset of the Year. Diego Lopes was celebrated for Submission of the Year against Gavin Tucker at UFC Nashville.
The award for Gym of the Year went to The Fighting Nerds. Jon Anik humorously considered if he would become the next Fighting Nerd. Max Holloway’s knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was honored as Knockout of the Year.
Luciana Andrade was acclaimed as Ringcard Girl of the Year. Zhang Weili was acknowledged as Female Fighter of the Year, while Alex Pereira was celebrated as the Charles Lewis Fighter of the Year. Pereira also delivered an acceptance speech, graciously sharing his gratitude and thankfulness for the recognition.
For more content and discussions about mixed martial arts, fans are encouraged to visit MMA Junkie’s Instagram page and YouTube channel. Join the conversation and explore more exciting updates and news in the world of MMA.
Source link
