The MMA Junkie 2024 Awards season is in the books.
Now, for the first time, you can see all of our staff members’ honors from the past year in one spot, from our top fighters of the year to the biggest stunners and more. We’ve compiled all our awards coverage and best-ofs into one spot.
Take a look back at our best of the best from 2024 below.
Most used referees in 2024, overall
Mark Smith
Most used UFC referees in 2024
Sep 9, 2023; Sydney, NSW, AUSTRALIA; Referee Herb Dean during the fight of Blood Diamond (not pictured) and Charles Radtke (not pictured) during UFC 293 at Qudos Bank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jasmin Frank-USA TODAY Sports
Biggest statistical upsets in 2024
2024 PFL 1: San Antonio at the Boeing Center at Tech Port in San Antonio, Texas, Thursday, April 4, 2024. (Cooper Neill / PFL)
UFC year-end facts
Alex Pereira
Coach of the Year
Belal Muhammad, Mike Valle at UFC 304
Gym of the Year
Nov 4, 2023; Sao Paulo, Brazil; Caio Borralho (red gloves) reacts after defeating Abus Magomedov (not pictured) during UFC Fight Night at Ibirapuera Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason da Silva-USA TODAY Sports
Comeback of the Year
Jan 20, 2024; Toronto, Canada, USA; Neil Magny (red glove) fights Mike Malott (blue gloves) during UFC 297 at ScotiaBank Arena. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports
Comeback Fighter of the Year
2024 PFL Superfights PPV: Battle of the Giants at the Mayadeen Theater in Diriyah, Saudi Arabia, Saturday, October 19, 2024. (Jose Peñuela / 2024PFLPPV)
Robbery of the Year
Rinat Fakhretdinov def. Carlos Leal, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)
Under-the-Radar Fighter of the Year
Steve Garcia def. Kyle Nelson, UFC Fight Night 242 (via UFC)
Breakout Fighter of the Year
Dec 14, 2024; Tampa, Florida, UNITED STATES; Joaquin Buckley (blue gloves) reacts after the fight against Colby Covington (red gloves) at Amalie Arena. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images
Upset of the Year
“Reug Reug” Oumar Kane def. Anatoly Malykhin – ONE 169
Newcomer of the Year
Carlos Prates def. Neil Magny, UFC Fight Night 247 (via UFC)
Event of the Year
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Max Holloway (blue gloves) reacts after defeating Justin Gaethje (red gloves) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Submission of the Year
Khamzat Chimaev def. Robert Whittaker, UFC 308 (©Craig Kidwell, special to MMA Junkie)
Knockout of the Year
Apr 13, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Max Holloway (blue gloves) fights Justin Gaethje (red gloves) during UFC 300 at T-Mobile Arena. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Fight of the Year
Sep 14, 2024; Las Vegas, Nevada, USA; Daniel Zellhuber of Mexico (red gloves) fights Esteban Ribovics of Argentina (blue gloves) during Riyadh Season Noche UFC 306 at The Sphere. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images
Male Fighter of the Year
Female Fighter of the Year
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