This year was filled with huge moments, big knockouts, breakthrough fighters, and moments that had us scratching our heads. It’s that time of year and for the first time ever that we present to you the No Huddle Combat MMA Awards.
Fight of the year- UFC 225 Whittaker Vs Romero 2
UFC 225 was one of the most stacked cards of the year boasting a middleweight title fight and a Interim Welterweight title fight. A day before the bight fight Romero missed weight by less than a pound and the fight was still on but not for the title. Nonetheless, this was one of the most exciting fights I have ever witnessed. Also, I attended this event which might make this choice a little bias but if you haven’t seen this fight hop on the internet and find it! Big moments and the Champ Robert Whittaker putting all of his heart into the Octagon and never showing an ounce of self-doubt. Also a awesome showing from the always entertaining “Soldier of God” Yoel Romero as always. The bout ended in a controversial split decision in the favor of the champ Bobby Knuckles. Will Robert Whittaker continue his reign upon the Middleweight division in 2019? We’ll find out soon at UFC 234 when he enters the Octagon to face contender Kelvin Gastelum.
Male Fighter of the year- Daniel Cormier
Cmon now did you really expect anyone else? “DC” went 3-0 while successfully defending his Light Heavyweight belt against Volka Oezdemir, defeating and capturing the Heavyweight title against one of the greatest fighters ever Stipe Miocic, and retaining his Heavy title against “The Black Beast” Derrick Lewis. This has definitely been Cormier's year and it has been very impressive. Cormier has cemented his legacy as one of the greatest fighters to ever step into the Octagon but can the “Champ Champ” cement himself as the “GOAT” in 2019 before he retires?
Female Fighter of the year- Amanda Nunes
Another Double Champ Nunes had an insane end to 2018 by defeating Cris Cyborg in 51 CRAZY seconds. By defeating the insanely talented veteran Nunes has cemented herself as the female “GOAT” and will be remembered as one of the most talented and powerful Mixed Martial Artist’s to ever live.
KO of the year- UFC 232 Nunes over Cyborg
Just like Championships “The Lioness” Amanda Nunes has won two of our categories. As you already should know 51 was the magic number for her to defeat Cyborg at UFC 232. Right from the start, this fight was an absolute brawl as both Nunes and Cyborg came out swinging. The moment the final shot landed The Forum in Inglewood, CA EXPLODED and the crowd went wild. This was also a great sports moment all around while watching Nunes’s emotions pour out of her after all of her hard work towards the sport of MMA.
HOLY S*#T moment of the year- UFC 229 Brawl
The UFC 229 main event Khabib Vs Mcgregor was one of the most anticipated MMA fights of all time, with a lot of bad blood and trash talk but the most talked about part of the event wasn’t the fight in the Octagon it was the brawl that happened after Khabib won via Kneck Crank in the 4th round. After the fight ended inside the Octagon Khabib threw his mouthguard and leaped out of the cage toward Mcgregor’s team including the trash talking Dillon Dannis. Khabibs team jumped over the cage and jumped Mcgregor and the moment was just a overall embarrassing moment for the sport and something that took the public eye off the actual event. Mcgregor and Khabib are both now awaiting suspension later this month and we can possibly see the rematch later this year. Only time will tell.
Breakthrough fighter of the year- Anthony Smith
Anthony “Lion Heart” Smith started 2018 with a Fight of the Night bonus but a loss in February against Thiago Santos. After that Anthony Smith went on a absolute tear through the UFC Light Heavyweight Divison going on a three-fight win streak and defeating former champions Rashad Evans, Mauricio Rua, and one of the top contenders in the division Volkan Oezdemir. Smith defeated all by finish 2 KO’s and 1 Submission. By having an amazing 2018 Smith has earned his right to be the #3 ranked fighter in the Light Heavyweight division and the next opportunity to face the current champion Jon Jones at UFC 235 in March.