While the Fighters Only World MMA Awards took place 10 days ago in Las Vegas, the ceremony didn’t actually air until last night on Fox Sports so I didn’t want to play spoiler for anyone who was waiting to watch. And those of us who watched this incredible celebration of the best of the Mixed Martial Arts fighting world in 2012 were hardly shocked by the sport’s biggest names and personalities taking home the top honors.
Perhaps the best news of all was that Tito Ortiz, who is currently trying to help Cris Cyborg lose weight so she can fight Ronda Rousey, was on hand with his best babe, Miley Cyrus Jenna Jameson. The former porn queen had previously been Twitter flirting with Jon Jones and Ortiz confirmed that true love was dead when he Tweeted about being single. But don’t feel bad for Jones, because he was the night’s big (male) winner, as he took home the Charles “Mask” Lewis Fighter of the Year award.
More importantly, though, were the top female winners, as they are two women quite close to our hearts.
First up, Rousey was named the Female Fighter of the Year after losing Breakthrough Fighter of the Year to Chris Weidman. And after four years of dominance by Arianny Celeste, the crown of Ring Girl of the Year was passed to Brittney Palmer, who I would very much like to meet my mother.
As for the rest of these incredible honors, here’s a handy list for you to print out and keep in your wallet.
Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis Fighter Of The Year – Jon Jones
Fight Of The Year – Jamie Varner Vs. Joe Lauzon (UFC On Fox 4)
Breakthrough Fighter Of The Year – Chris Weidman
International Fighter Of The Year – Michael Bisping
Knockout Of The Year – Edson Barboza Vs. Terry Etim (UFC 142)
Submission Of The Year – Frank Mir Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 140)
Best Promotion – UFC
Female Fighter Of The Year – Ronda Rousey
Gym Of The Year – Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
Shawn Tompkins Coach Of The Year – Rafael Cordeiro
Comeback Of The Year – Frank Mir Vs. Antonio Rodrigo Nogueira (UFC 140)
Referee Of The Year – Herb Dean
Fighters Only Lifetime Achievement Award – Leon Tabbs
MMA Journalist Of The Year – Ariel Helwani, MMAfighting.Com/Fuel TV
Personality Of The Year – Joe Rogan
MMA Media Source Of The Year – Sherdog.Com
Leading Man Of The Year – Dana White
Best Technical Clothing Brand – Clinch Gear
Best Lifestyle Clothing Brand – Bad Boy
Best Technical Equipment – Pretorian
I can only hope that the fine folks at the MMA Awards add a category for Best MMA Live Discussion Joke Maker so I can be nominated after I make a few of our commenters “disappear”.
And here is Rousey talking about her incredible year that culminated with her being named the first ever UFC Women’s Champion:
(H/T to This is 50.)
