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