Leon Edwards beat Islam Makhachev to become “Fighter of the Year”

The Briton beat out Russia’s Islam Makhachev, Nigeria’s Israel Adesanya, American Aljamain Sterling and Sweden’s Sadiba Sy in the open voting, in which anyone could take part.

Edwards also won Oscars from the MMA world in the categories of International Fighter of the Year, Knockout of the Year and Comeback of the Year.

The UFC’s top fighter regardless of weight class, Islam Makhachev, who holds the lightweight title, was honored as Fight of the Year for his first fight against Alexander Volkanovski.

“Women’s Fighter of the Year” was UFC flyweight titleholder Alexa Grasso of Mexico, who received two more statuettes as the author of “Submission of the Year” and “Upset of the Year” for her first fight against Valentina Shevchenko.

The full list of World MMA Awards 2023 winners is as follows:

Fighter of the Year: Leon Edwards

Women’s Fighter of the Year: Alexa Grasso

Breakthrough of the year: Alex Pereira

Fight of the Year: Islam Makhachev vs. Alex Volkanovski at UFC 284

Knockout of the Year: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.

Submission of the Year: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285.

Comeback of the Year: Leon Edwards vs. Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.

Upset of the Year: Alexa Grasso vs. Valentina Shevchenko at UFC 285.

Coach of the Year: Mike Brown

Instructor of the Year: Heather Linden

Team of the Year: American Top Team

Referee of the Year: Herb Dean

Ringkardgirl of the Year: Brittney Palmer

Executive of the Year: Dana White

Promotion of the Year: UFC

Personality of the Year: Joe Rogan

Analyst of the Year: Michael Bisping

Best mma program: Dana White’s Contender Series

Media Resource of the Year: ESPN

Journalist of the Year: Ariel Helwani

Fighting Spirit of the Year: Temba Gorimbo

For distinguished service: Ken Shamrock