The 2024 UFC Awards highlight an extraordinary year of combat sports excellence. These were published by the UFC and classified as “unofficial awards.”
Max Holloway claimed Knockout of the Year with his last-second spinning backkick finish to Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. At the same time, Ilia Topuria earned Breakthrough Fighter honors by dethroning Alexander Volkanovski and defending against Holloway. Alex Pereira dominated as Most Dominant Champion with three light heavyweight title defenses, showcasing his lethal striking. Brian Ortega’s submission victory over Yair Rodriguez earned Best Comeback, and Shavkat Rakhmonov’s undefeated run secured Rising Star recognition. These achievements only scratch the surface of 2024’s remarkable martial arts moments.
Key Highlights
- Alex Pereira wins Fighter of the Year after three dominant light heavyweight title defenses and spectacular knockouts of Hill and Prochazka.
- Max Holloway’s last-second spinning back kick KO at UFC 300 earns Knockout of the Year honors.
- Ilia Topuria claims Breakthrough Fighter of the Year following his championship victory over Volkanovski and perfect 16-0 record.
- Brian Ortega’s submission win over Yair Rodriguez after two years away earns Comeback of the Year.
- Islam Makhachev’s Darce choke victory over Dustin Poirier receives Submission of the Year recognition.
Table of Contents
Knockout of the Year
The knockout artistry of 2024 reached its peak when Max Holloway delivered a stunning last-second finish against Justin Gaethje at UFC 300. We watched in awe as Holloway pointed to the ground, called his shot, and released a devastating right hand that sent Gaethje crashing to the canvas with just one second remaining in the fifth round.
What made this knockout so special wasn’t just its dramatic timing. Holloway’s masterful striking display throughout the fight, including a spinning backkick that shattered Gaethje’s nose, set up the perfect finale. Even when Gaethje succeeded in the fourth round, Holloway’s pace and precision never wavered.
While 2024 gave us other remarkable finishes, including Alex Pereira’s quick work of Jamahal Hill and Ilia Topuria’s championship-winning knockout of Alexander Volkanovski, none captured the imagination quite like Holloway’s BMF title victory. The combination of technical brilliance, perfect timing, and the sheer audacity to call his shot in the final moments makes this their clear choice for Knockout of the Year. This finish rivaled the drama of Islam Makhachev’s knockout of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284, among 2023’s most memorable moments.
Best Championship Performance Award
Among all championship performances in 2024, Ilia Topuria’s dethroning of Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298 stands out as a masterclass in precision and composure. We watched as the undefeated challenger systematically broke down one of the greatest featherweights of all time, culminating in a spectacular second-round knockout that shocked the MMA world.
| Aspect | Topuria’s Performance | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Strategy | Patient stalking | Controlled pace |
| Defense | Head movement | Minimized damage |
| Striking | Power combinations | Volkanovski rattled |
| Timing | Counter punches | Found openings |
| Finish | Perfect right hand | New champion crowned |
While other champions like Alex Pereira and Islam Makhachev had impressive defenses, Topuria’s performance represented something special. He didn’t just win – he dominated a pound-for-pound great who hadn’t been finished at featherweight in over a decade. How Topuria managed distance, picked his shots, and maintained composure under pressure showed us the emergence of a new era in the 145-pound division. His victory wasn’t just a changing of the guard; it was a statement that a new level of excellence had arrived in the UFC. His dominance mirrors the potential shown by Shavkat Rakhmonov’s undefeated record heading into UFC 296.
Rising Star Award
Consistently delivering jaw-dropping performances throughout 2024, Shara Magomedov captured their Rising Star Award by remaining undefeated while securing highlight-reel finishes against increasingly difficult opposition. His masterful knockout of Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 showcased his exceptional striking arsenal, particularly the devastating spinning back fist that left fans in awe.
What sets Magomedov apart isn’t just his perfect 15-0 record – it’s how he’s dominated each opponent with a mix of technical brilliance and raw power. We’ve watched him systematically break down veterans while maintaining his composure, demonstrating fight IQ well beyond his years of experience. His counter-striking ability and timing have drawn comparisons to some of the sport’s elite competitors.
We can’t overlook how quickly he’s adapted to the UFC’s pressure-filled environment. In his first year with the promotion, he’s already positioned himself as a serious middleweight contender. With his youth, skill, and marketability combination, we’re confident Magomedov will continue his meteoric rise through the ranks in 2025. His explosive style could make him an ideal candidate for UFC 300’s stacked card, where the promotion aims to deliver serious fireworks in every fight.
Most Dominant Champion Award
In 2024’s stacked championship roster, Alex Pereira stood head and shoulders above his peers, dominating the light heavyweight division with three emphatic title defenses. We watched in awe as “Poatan” dispatched Jamahal Hill with a devastating first-round TKO, followed by a masterful knockout of Jiri Prochazka just thirteen seconds into round two. His first title defense at UFC 300 marked a historic milestone for the organization and his championship reign.
What sets Pereira apart isn’t just his finishing ability – it’s how he’s elevated the entire division through his technical striking and calm demeanor under pressure. His rapid rise from middleweight challenger to light heavyweight kingpin has been remarkable, compiling a 7-1 UFC record against elite competition. We’ve seen plenty of champions defend their belts this year, but none have done it with the same level of dominance and striking precision as Pereira.
When we look back at 2024’s championship performances, including Topuria’s spectacular rise and Makhachev’s continued excellence, Pereira’s combination of power, timing, and championship mentality makes him the UFC’s pick for Most Dominant Champion. His ability to finish fights against top-tier opponents has set a new standard in the division.
Best Ground Game Award
The submission mastery displayed by Islam Makhachev throughout 2024 has proven unmatched, with his Darce choke victory over Dustin Poirier serving as a masterclass in ground control and finishing ability. We’ve seen him systematically break down opponents with relentless pressure and technical superiority, maintaining his status as one of the UFC’s most feared grapplers.
While Makhachev stands at the pinnacle, we can’t overlook Khamzat Chimaev’s devastating face crank submission of Robert Whittaker, which demonstrated his evolution as a complete ground fighter. Kayla Harrison’s UFC debut in the women’s division showed us why she’s considered an elite grappler, securing a textbook rear-naked choke against veteran Holly Holm.
We’re also impressed by Dricus Du Plessis’s improvement on the ground, mainly his submission win over Israel Adesanya that few saw coming. His ability to maintain top control and shift to the back has added a new dimension to his already formidable skill set. These performances have redefined what we expect from top-tier grapplers in the UFC, setting a new standard for ground excellence. His mastery of the Twister Side Control position has proven especially effective in setting up his signature submissions.
Fight of the Year Award
Among 2024’s thrilling battles, Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje at UFC 300 stands as their Fight of the Year. The five-round BMF title war delivered non-stop action, with both warriors pushing their limits until the last second. Let’s break down why this battle captured hearts and minds.
| Round | Holloway | Gaethje | Key Moment |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-2 | Long-range strikes | Leg kicks | Spinning back kick breaks Gaethje’s nose |
| 3-4 | Volume punching | Power shots | Gaethje’s fourth-round surge |
| 5 | Point scoring | Heavy counters | Last-second knockout |
| Stats | 402 strikes | 218 strikes | 4:59 finish time |
We witnessed Holloway’s masterful distance control and Gaethje’s explosive power throughout the contest. When Gaethje seized momentum in the fourth round, many thought Holloway’s chance had slipped away. But the Hawaiian’s historic walk-off knockout with just one second remaining capped off a performance that embodied everything we love about MMA: technique, heart, and drama. The fight showcased elite striking, strategic adjustments, and an unforgettable finish that’ll be replayed for years. The intensity of this bout even surpassed expectations for Pereira versus Prochazka, which was heavily anticipated for UFC 303.
Breakthrough Fighter Award
Bursting onto the UFC scene with devastating power and technical brilliance, Ilia Topuria emerged as 2024’s definitive breakthrough fighter. We watched in awe as he first dethroned Alexander Volkanovski with a spectacular second-round knockout at UFC 298, claiming the featherweight crown. Then he followed up with an equally impressive defense against Max Holloway at UFC 308, proving his championship mettle wasn’t a fluke.
What sets Topuria apart isn’t just his perfect 16-0 record – it’s how he’s dominated elite competition. We’ve seen plenty of prospects rise through the ranks, but few have shown his combination of calculated pressure and fight-ending power. His patient stalking of opponents and precise counter-striking have created a compelling and thrilling style to watch.
The numbers tell the story: two wins over former champions by knockout and a growing reputation as one of MMA’s most fearsome competitors. At just 27 years old, Topuria hasn’t just broken through – he’s shattered expectations and established himself as a force we’ll be watching for years to come. His rise comes at a crucial time as UFC featherweight division dynamics continue to evolve with each major championship bout.
Most Impressive Win Streak Award
While Topuria’s meteoric rise captured headlines, Alex Pereira’s dominant run through 2024 stands as the year’s most remarkable win streak. We’ve witnessed “Poatan” dismantle three elite opponents spectacularly, starting with his first-round TKO of Jamahal Hill, followed by a devastating knockout of Jiri Prochazka at UFC 303. His mastery of striking techniques, particularly that lethal left hook, has proven nearly impossible for opponents to solve.
What makes Pereira’s streak even more impressive is how he’s dominated former champions and top contenders. He hasn’t just won – he’s finished fights decisively, showcasing why he’s one of the most feared strikers in UFC history. We’ve seen plenty of fighters string together victories, but few have done it with such authority against this level of competition. His record now stands at 7-1 in the UFC, with each win more convincing than the last. While other fighters have put together longer streaks numerically, the quality of Pereira’s opposition and the devastating nature of his victories sets him apart as 2024’s most impressive streakholder. His performance has contributed significantly to UFC’s heavyweight narrative and the growing mainstream appeal of MMA.
Best Technical Display
Technical mastery reached new heights in 2024 when Ilia Topuria dethroned Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 298. Through perfect timing and strategic footwork, Topuria demonstrated the year’s most sophisticated display of striking technique, setting up his right hand with masterful precision.
| Fighter | Technical Achievement | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Ilia Topuria | Perfect distance management | Set up fight-ending KO |
| Max Holloway | Spinning back kick to punch combo | Broke Gaethje’s nose |
| Alex Pereira | Left hook counter-striking | Multiple title defenses |
We’ve seen many impressive performances, but Topuria’s win stands above the rest for its sheer technical brilliance. His ability to read Volkanovski’s movements and exploit openings showed a skill level we rarely witness in championship fights. While other contenders like Max Holloway’s BMF performance against Gaethje and Pereira’s efficient work against Hill deserve recognition, Topuria’s execution was nearly flawless. He didn’t just win – he systematically broke down one of the sport’s most technical champions with a display that’ll be studied for years to come. Like Sean Strickland’s defensive striking skills, these technical displays continue to elevate the sport’s competitive standard.
Best Career Comeback Award
Regarding career resurgence, Brian Ortega’s submission victory over Yair Rodriguez at UFC Fight Night is 2024’s most remarkable comeback story. After multiple surgeries and two years away from the octagon, Ortega proved he hadn’t lost his elite submission skills, securing an arm-triangle choke less than a minute into the third round.
Plenty of fighters have attempted comebacks, but Ortega’s return demonstrated why he remains one of the division’s most dangerous grapplers. His path back wasn’t easy – dealing with shoulder injuries, a torn ACL, and questions about whether he could compete at the highest level again. But when he stepped into Mexico City’s octagon, we witnessed the same technical prowess that once earned him a title shot.
What makes Ortega’s comeback particularly impressive is how he controlled the pace against Rodriguez, a top-ranked opponent known for explosive striking. The victory didn’t just mark his return; it reestablished him as a serious contender in the featherweight division. For a fighter who many thought might never return to form, this performance reminded us why comebacks in MMA can be so compelling.
His recovery journey shares similarities with Paddy Pimblett, who showed his remarkable resilience with a triangle choke victory over King Green at UFC 304.
Summarizing the UFC Awards 2024
We’ve witnessed an extraordinary year of martial arts excellence that’s redefined what’s possible in the octagon. From Holloway’s split-second brilliance to Pereira’s devastating championship reign, 2024 has delivered unforgettable moments that’ll be studied for years to come. The emergence of new stars alongside the sustained dominance of established champions proves the UFC’s evolution continues at breakneck speed. We can’t wait to see how these achievements shape the sport’s future.
