UFC - UFC Honors 2024 Official Awards Show 🏆
The UFC Honors 2024 event in Las Vegas celebrated the year's most remarkable fights and fighters. Max Holloway's last-second knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was a highlight, earning him both Fight of the Year and Performance of the Year awards. This fight was notable for Holloway's decision to engage Gaethje in the final seconds, resulting in a dramatic finish that captivated fans and solidified his status as a legendary fighter.
Other notable mentions included Islam Makhachev's submission victory over Dustin Poirier, which showcased his grappling prowess and earned him Submission of the Year. UFC 300 was recognized as the Event of the Year, celebrated for its historical significance and spectacular fights. Carlos Protests was named Debut of the Year for his impressive undefeated streak, while Renato Moicano's comeback against Jalin Turner was awarded Comeback of the Year. The event also highlighted the contributions of UFC staff and the unique spectacle of the Sphere venue.
Key Points:
- Max Holloway's knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was the highlight of 2024, earning Fight and Performance of the Year.
- Islam Makhachev's submission against Dustin Poirier won Submission of the Year, showcasing his grappling skills.
- UFC 300 was named Event of the Year for its historical significance and memorable fights.
- Carlos Protests won Debut of the Year with an undefeated streak, showing potential as a future star.
- Renato Moicano's comeback victory over Jalin Turner was awarded Comeback of the Year, demonstrating resilience.
Details:
1. 🎉 Welcome to UFC Honors 2024
- The event is hosted in Las Vegas, a premier location for fight events.
- Purpose of the event is to distribute awards and recognize the greatest fights of 2024.
- Significance of the event is underscored by being a dedicated ceremony for honoring top fights and fighters.
2. 📈 Reflecting on a Record-Breaking Year
- 2024 marked a new high level for UFC, with record-setting achievements being highlighted.
- The UFC saw outstanding debuts and frequent changes in the title picture, indicating a dynamic competitive landscape.
- A notable event was UFC 300, which was described as epic, highlighting the scale and success of the event.
- The year was characterized by significant advancements and memorable moments, signaling a big leap forward for the organization.
3. 🏆 Introduction to UFC Annual Awards
- The UFC Annual Awards celebrate exceptional fighters and performances, focusing on achievements throughout the year 2024.
- The awards are presented by Dana White, often highlighting key bouts and standout fighters.
- Categories include performance of the year and fight of the year, with selections based on notable impact and excellence in the octagon.
- The awards have a significant influence, often boosting fighters' careers and increasing their visibility in the sport.
4. 🥊 Fan Choice Awards: Knockout and Submission Highlights
- Max Holloway's knockout of Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 was voted Knockout of the Year, occurring just seconds before the end of the fight, showcasing his precision and timing.
- Islam Makhachev won Submission of the Year for his match against Dustin Poirier at UFC 302 in Newark, demonstrating superior grappling skills.
- UFC 300 was named the Event of the Year due to its high-profile matchups and memorable performances, marking it as a standout event in the calendar.
- Carlos Protests was recognized for Debut of the Year, achieving four consecutive knockouts in his rookie season, including a main event victory against Neil Magny, highlighting his striking power.
- Hanato Moano's victory over Jaylen Turner was awarded Comeback of the Year, exemplifying resilience and strategic adaptation.
5. 👊 Max Holloway's Epic Knockout Moment
- Max Holloway dominated the fight, controlling the pace and actions throughout, showcasing his strategic prowess in UFC 300.
- Holloway's memorable moment was allowing Justin Gaethje the opportunity to engage directly, leading to a knockout victory.
- This event highlighted Holloway's signature move of pointing at the mat, inviting his opponent to a decisive face-off, which thrilled the crowd.
- The knockout was significant, attributing to Holloway's recognition and potential awards in UFC honors.
- His performance in this fight is a strong contender for the Knockout of the Year, illustrating his skill and impact in the sport.
6. 🤼♂️ Submission of the Year: Islam Makhachev
- Islam Makhachev's submission victory, achieved with only one second remaining on the clock, was recognized as the submission of the year, highlighting his exceptional skill and timing.
- Max Holloway's career is celebrated for its iconic moments, including his daring decision to point at the ground and engage, even when ahead in a fight, showing his commitment to entertain and take risks.
- Other nominees for knockout and memorable moments included Alex Pereira's knockout of Jamal Hill and Sha Bullet Magomedov's double spinning fist, showcasing a year rich with standout performances.
- The significance of Makhachev's submission lies in its demonstration of his strategic patience and precision, which not only secured victory but also cemented his status as a top contender in his weight class.
7. 🎤 Event of the Year: UFC 300 and Sphere
- Islam Makhachev successfully defended his lightweight title against Dustin Poirier, utilizing his superior grappling skills to secure a submission victory, demonstrating his evolution as a champion.
- Makhachev's victory was significant as it added to his record of notable finishes, including a head kick win over Alexander Volkanovski, solidifying his reputation in the UFC as a versatile fighter.
- Patty 'The Baddy' Pimblett surprised many with his performance against Bobby Green, where he executed a triangle and armbar combination to secure a win, showcasing his technical prowess despite being underestimated.
- The event also awarded Islam Makhachev with Submission of the Year, highlighting his exceptional submission skills and further establishing his championship credentials.
- UFC 300 served as a platform for these fighters to demonstrate their skills, contributing to the event's recognition as one of the year's most significant in the MMA calendar.
8. 🌟 Rising Stars: Debut and Comeback of the Year
8.1. UFC 300: Historical Event and Celebrations
8.2. Carlos Proest: Breakthrough Debut Year
9. 🤯 Epic Fights of the Year Nominees
9.1. Hanato Moano's Comeback Victory
9.2. Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje
9.3. Alex Pereira vs. Jiri Prochazka
10. 🥇 President's Choice: Fight of the Year
10.1. Fight of the Year Award
10.2. Analysis of the Fight
11. 🏅 Performance of the Year: Max Holloway Again
- Max Holloway was awarded the 'Performance of the Year' for his fight against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300, hailed as an epic moment in UFC history.
- The fight is described as 'movie type of stuff,' emphasizing the dramatic and intense nature of the bout.
- Despite the last 10 seconds being unnecessary for victory, Holloway's performance solidified his status as one of the 'baddest men on the planet.'
- The fight is recognized for its high emotion, intensity, and heart, making it unforgettable for fans and the UFC community.
- Max Holloway's victory is celebrated as a historic moment, ensuring his legacy in the sport.
- The fight's dramatic ending, with both fighters swinging haymakers, is noted for its unpredictability and excitement.
12. 🏝 Max Holloway's Acceptance Speech
- Max Holloway was awarded twice for the 2024 President Awards, specifically for Fight of the Year and Performance of the Year at UFC 300 with Justin Gaethje.
- Acknowledged Dana White for selecting him and humorously mentioned waiting for bonuses.
- Expressed solidarity and support for people affected by wildfires in California, highlighting his personal connection to such issues due to past experiences in Hawaii.
- Urged people in California to stay strong and united amidst the crisis, emphasizing community resilience.
13. 🦸♂️ Honorable Mentions: Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira
- Ilia Topuria achieved two wins in title fights, securing the featherweight belt and defending it against an all-time great, Max Holloway, marking the first knockout against Holloway.
- Ilia Topuria's performance in 2024 was exceptional, elevating him to superstar status, with nominations in two performance of the year categories.
- Alex Pereira defended his belt three times within four months, showcasing remarkable achievement and consistency.