MMA 2024 Awards: A Year of Knockouts, Comebacks, and Rising Stars
What a year it has been for mixed martial arts! From jaw-dropping knockouts to inspiring comebacks, 2024 delivered unforgettable moments that will be etched in MMA history. The action-packed year reached its zenith with UFC 300, a milestone event that showcased the best of the sport. But the excitement didn’t stop there. Across 41 UFC fight cards and 24 events from PFL and Bellator, fans were treated to a buffet of thrilling fights, breakout stars, and career-defining performances.
As the year comes to a close, ESPN has unveiled its end-of-year MMA awards, highlighting the biggest achievements, most stirring fights, and standout fighters of 2024. Let’s dive into the winners and the moments that made this year unforgettable.
Men’s Fighter of the Year: Alex Pereira
Brett Okamoto: This was the year of “Chama” in MMA. Alex Pereira didn’t just dominate 2024; he delivered one of the most impressive 12-month stretches in the sport’s history. The UFC light heavyweight champion showcased a mix of incredible performances and an unshakable mindset. Despite a broken toe, Pereira headlined UFC 300 in April, stepping up when the UFC needed a marquee name. Just 77 days later, he headlined UFC 303 in a rematch against Jiří Procházka, filling in for Conor McGregor, who withdrew due to a broken toe. Pereira capped off his year with a gutsy win over Khalil Rountree Jr. at elevation in Salt Lake City during UFC 307.
Three knockouts at the highest level in one year? That’s a feat in itself. But Pereira’s mental toughness and willingness to take on challenges cemented his status as a global star. He’s not just a champion; he’s a legend in the making.
Non-UFC Men’s Fighter of the Year: Francis Ngannou
Andreas Hale: Francis Ngannou’s return to MMA was nothing short of extraordinary. After a two-year hiatus and a detour into boxing, Ngannou faced immense personal and professional challenges, including the tragic loss of his 15-month-old son. Yet, he came back stronger than ever, delivering an emphatic first-round TKO against 2023 PFL heavyweight champion Renan Ferreira in Saudi Arabia. Ngannou’s performance proved that he’s still the “baddest man on the planet,” showcasing improved wrestling and devastating ground-and-pound. At 38, Ngannou reminded the world that greatness doesn’t have to reside solely in the UFC.
Women’s Fighter of the Year: Kayla Harrison
Brett Okamoto: Kayla Harrison’s UFC debut was one of the most anticipated moments of 2024, and she didn’t disappoint. The two-time Olympic gold medalist made a seamless transition to the UFC, defeating seasoned veterans Holly Holm and Ketlen Vieira at 135 pounds—a weight class she had never competed in before. Harrison’s dominance has set the stage for a potential showdown with MMA legend Amanda Nunes, who has been paying close attention to Harrison’s meteoric rise. Could 2025 bring us the ultimate clash of titans?
Fight of the Year: Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway, UFC 300
Andreas Hale: When Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway stepped into the Octagon at UFC 300, fans knew they were in for a treat. What unfolded was a fight for the ages. Holloway’s spinning back kick in the first round broke Gaethje’s nose, but the former interim lightweight champion refused to back down. The final 20 seconds of the fight were pure chaos, with both fighters trading punches in the center of the Octagon. Holloway’s buzzer-beating knockout sent Gaethje face-first to the canvas, leaving the T-Mobile Arena crowd in a frenzy. UFC CEO Dana White summed it up best: “I sell holy s— moments for a living.” This fight was exactly that.
Best Knockout: Max Holloway KOs Justin Gaethje, UFC 300
Brett Okamoto: Max Holloway’s knockout of Justin Gaethje wasn’t just the best of 2024—it might be the greatest in UFC history. In the final second of a fight for the BMF belt, Holloway pointed to the ground, inviting Gaethje to brawl. One perfectly timed right hand later, Gaethje was out cold. The combination of circumstances—UFC 300, the BMF title, and the dramatic finish—makes this a moment that will be talked about for years to come.
Breakout Fighter: Diego Lopes
Andreas Hale: Diego Lopes burst onto the scene in 2024 with a series of electrifying performances. His 90-second knockout of Sodiq Yusuff at UFC 300 put the featherweight division on notice. Lopes’ willingness to step in on short notice against Dan Ige at UFC 303 further solidified his reputation as a fearless competitor. With the featherweight division in flux, Lopes is poised to make a serious run at the title in 2025.
Best Card: UFC 300
Brett Okamoto: UFC 300 was a historic event that lived up to its billing. Featuring four of the top 10 fighters in performance bonuses and a lineup stacked with champions and former champions, the card delivered from start to finish. From Deiveson Figueiredo’s submission of Cody Garbrandt in the opening bout to Max Holloway’s iconic knockout of Justin Gaethje, UFC 300 was a night to remember.
As we look ahead to 2025, one thing is clear: MMA continues to evolve, delivering moments that captivate fans and push the boundaries of what’s possible in combat sports. Here’s to another year of unforgettable action!
Originally Written by: Andreas Hale
