Aldo with newly-minted UFC best. Photo: Publicity.
This Wednesday the MMA Awards took place in Las Vegas. The event is considered to be the Oscar of the fight world, and elects the sport’s best of the year.
Of the main categories, José Aldo was the standout, edging out beasts like Anderson Silva. The title of best female fighter went to Strikeforce champion Cris Cyborg.
Werdum applies a triangle on Fedor: Photo: Mike Colón
For those big on Jiu-Jitsu, Fabrício Werdum took best submissio honors for the slick double attack that toppled the “Last Emperor”, Fedor Emelianenko. Now if knockouts are what get you going, that title went to Maurício Shogun for his light heavyweight-title-winning knockout of Lyoto Machida.
Sonnen, the moment the house came down at UFC 117. Photo: publicity
Another important award, best fight went to Anderson Silva and Chael Sonnen for the fight the Brazilian won in the eleventh hour with an armbar from the triangle.
Now best team went to Wanderlei Silva’s Wand Fight Team. The best event, as one would imagine, went to the UFC, and Dana White, the promotions president, won for best leader.
Jones has an arsenal of slick takedowns. Photo: Josh Hedges
Recently featured in GRACIEMAG, Jon Jones was the revelation athlete while Greg Jackson was best coach:
Best MMA referee: Herb Dean
Best brand (for training): Bad Boy
Best equipment: Everlast
Best news source: MMA Junkie
Best event: UFC
Submission of the year: Fabricio Werdum vs. Fedor Emelianenko
Gym of the year: Wand Fight Team
Journalist of the year : Ariel Helwani, MMA Fighting
Trainer of the year: Greg Jackson
Best brand (Lifestyle): TapouT
International fighter of the year: Alistair Overeem
Ring Girl of the year: Arianny Celeste
Leader of the year: Dana White
Most striking walk out: Jason Miller
Fight of the year: Anderson Silva vs. Chael Sonnen, UFC 117
Female fighter of the year: Cristiane Santos
Knockout of the year: Mauricio Rua over Lyoto Machida, UFC 113
Revelation of the year: Jon Jones
Fighter of the year: José Aldo