World MMA Awards 2023: Rogan, White, Grasso, Edwards, Pereira, And More Secure Top Honors
The ‘World MMA Awards’ are an award that acknowledges the best fighters and other personas in the field of mixed martial arts (MMA). Annually held by one of the finest MMA combat sport publishing houses, the “Fighters Only” awards enjoy the status of being the ultimate awards among all MMA warriors worldwide. The ceremony took place at this year’s edition, which was the fifteenth one ever held, and it is noteworthy that it created quite a controversy among the MMA admirers with such pomp.
This is the ninth time awards have been held, and the trend continues. ‘Fighters Only’ compiled the names of winners in different sectors that recognised their outstanding performances and achievements in this industry. The uniqueness of these awards is the different way in which they are selected, the ‘online fan vote’, making sure the MMA’s voice is heard in each winner.
The UFC awarded the Charles Lewis Fighter of the Year to Leon Edwards, who is the founder of ‘TapouT.’ For many who are close to Edwards, they would agree that he is probably the toughest person in Octagon who went ahead and claimed a title for himself at the end of the year.
The female fighter of the year in the division was Alexa Grasso. Her expertise as well as dedication to her sport were rewarded in the form of winning matches and clinching the Submission of the Year award. Fans would never forget her cranky submission against Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285.
Alex Pereira, the breakthrough fighter of the year, is another notable performer in the awards ceremony. This award strengthens Pereira’s position as one to be reckoned with among other players in the MMA world.
This year, the reveal of the awards’ recipients was accompanied by a surprise that shook up the MMA universe. Fighters only planned to declare the 2023 ‘world mma awards’ in its pre-UFC 296 analysis piece. This call caused a stir as fans waited to watch Leon Edwards against Khamzat. Colby Covington at the main event of UFC 296.
A fight card created anticipation among the UFC community as they looked forward to witnessing explosive action that would be worth the cost. It was believed by many people that these results would likely redraw how ‘World MMA Awards’ winners would appear. That came as the ‘Fighters Only’ appeared to ignore the possible outcome of UFC 296, confusing all the fans.
Adding to the drama was the Upset of the Year category, which included two victories against Valentina Shevchenko by Alex Grasso, both as the Upset and the Submission of the Year. On the other hand, the MMA community wonders whether there were actions in UFC 296 that outdid or equaled those.
The hottest controversy over awards came out with awards for “comeback of the year.” This award was given to Leon Edwards for his fight against Kamaru Usman at UFC 278. Edwards certainly exhibited strength, but UFC 296 could have easily eclipsed him. Fans are also wondering whether all the fighters in the final PPV of the year were considered when announcing awards too soon.
Referees are necessary for fair play within the ring. It was also a big year for unsung heroes of MMA. Ringcard girls-Brittany Palmer took home the Ringcards’ Girl of the Year prize.
Consequently, Dana White earned the Leading Man Honours and was known as the Face of the UFC. White did it for MMA more than anybody else, mainly via the UFC, and has not been equaled by White, who has no match in terms of growing MMA globally. He got this title due to his impact on the game, its business side, and entertainment.
The UFC received the best promotion award, thus ending with no surprises. Quality shows have enabled the UFC to remain the most dominant MMA company.
Joe Rogan, also called “The Voice” in MMA, won the MMA Person of the Year title. Know-how, passion, and his straight-forward comments form a major part of what goes down as the fans’ global MMA encounter. This shows that he is still in control of this area.
Despite all the spirit surrounding the “World MMA Awards,” the controversies from early announcements are still a thing. Fighters Only has chosen to reveal the results before UFC 296 is concluded, leaving audiences and contenders uncomfortable.
Having 2023 in MMS gone past, it is time we asked if UFC 296 presented any moments that can be included in the MMA award storyline for 2023. However, we shall postpone it and instead consider the champions in the fiery world of mixed martial arts at the moment.