Issue 099
March 2013
Voted for by you, presented by Fighters Only, here are the outstanding performers of 2012...
Charles ‘Mask’ Lewis Fighter of the Year
Jon Jones
RUNNERS-UP: Ben Henderson, Daniel Cormier, Nate Diaz, Ronda Rousey
The incredible rise of Jon Jones continued as he became the first fighter to win consecutive ‘Charles Lewis’ awards. Jones had four wins over four former UFC 205lb champions during the voting period, including choking out ‘Rampage’ Jackson, an emphatic submission over Lyoto Machida, a one-sided beatdown of Rashad Evans, and the mauling of Vitor Belfort. How could he possibly top that in 2013?
Female Fighter of the Year
Ronda Rousey
RUNNERS-UP: Jessica Aguilar, Miesha Tate, Sara McMann, Sarah Kaufman
Who else had an impact on the world of mixed martial arts in 2012 like Ronda Rousey? Within 12 months, the Californian judoka has taken out two former Strikeforce champions, both via her trademark finisher, the armbar. First it was arch rival and then-champion Miesha Tate, and she defeated Sarah Kaufman six months later. Rousey truly transcended the sport too, appearing
on various media platforms, and now that she’s moved to the UFC, expect and even bigger year from her in 2013
International Fighter of the Year
Michael Bisping
RUNNERS-UP: Alexander Gustafsson, Chan Sung Jung, Martin Kampmann, Stefan Struve
Love him or loathe him, you couldn’t help but be impressed by Michael Bisping in the voting period. First he exposed Jason ‘Mayhem’ Miller in the TUF 14 Finale, and even when he lost to Chael Sonnen early in 2012, many were shocked at how good he looked against the former number-one contender. In fact, so impressive was Bisping, many had him winning the fight – including Sonnen. A clinical win over Brian Stann rounded off a standout year for the Brit, who, going forward, aims to push on for a shot at Anderson Silva’s UFC title.
Fight of the Year
Joe Lauzon vs. Jamie Varner (UFC on Fox 4)
RUNNERS-UP: Henderson vs Rua (UFC 139), Chandler vs Alvarez (Bellator 58), Ellenberger vs Sanchez (UFC on Fuel TV 1), Poirier vs Sung Jung (UFC on Fuel TV 3)
Joe Lauzon and Jamie Varner went to war inside the Staples Centre in LA for UFC on Fox 4, pure and simple. While Lauzon managed to end the fight via triangle choke in the third round, both fighters gained tremendous respect at the end of the night due to their efforts.
Breakthrough Fighter of the Year
Chris Weidman
RUNNERS-UP: Renan Barao, Michael Chandler, Luke Rockhold, Ronda Rousey
With an outstanding wrestling background, a scintillating submission style, plus a steadily improving striking game, the sky is truly is the limit for New York native Chris Weidman. By beating Demian Maia in January with just 11 days’ notice – following a November victory over Tom Lawlor – and then smashing Mark Munoz in the cranium with an overhand elbow in July, Weidman secured this award in the eyes of MMA fans worldwide. A positive end to the year for the family man who had to put his career on hold after being hit hard by Hurricane Sandy.
Knockout of the Year
Edson Barboza vs Terry Etim (UFC 142)
RUNNERS-UP: Adam Khaliev vs Alexei Belyaev (League S-70),Stephen Thompson vs Dan Stittgen (UFC 143), Anthony Pettis vs Joe Lauzon (UFC 144), Brian Rogers vs Vitor Vianna (Bellator 61)
Edson Barboza’s wicked spinning wheel-kick against Terry Etim at UFC 142 will be etched in the brains of MMA fans for eternity. If not because the fight was a fantastically close affair before the finish, then because spinning wheel-kicks are so rarely executed in mixed martial arts, and in such devastating fashion. Even though Barboza would suffer a defeat at the hands of Jamie Varner in his next fight, his striking excellence and exceptionally violent creativity deserves to be rewarded over any other striking finish any other fighter managed this year.
Submission of the Year
Frank Mir vs. Antonio 'Minotauro' Nogueira (UFC 140)
RUNNERS-UP: Charles Oliveira vs Eric Wisely (UFC on Fox 2), Rousimar Palhares vs Mike Massenzio (UFC 142), Ronda Rousey vs Miesha Tate (Strikeforce: Tate vs Rousey), Chan Sung Jung vs Dustin Poirier (UFC on Fuel TV 3)
Fedor Emelianenko, Dan Henderson, Josh Barnett, Mirko ‘Cro Cop’ – a small list of heavyweight heavy-hitters who’ve had the chance to submit BJJ legend Antonio ‘Minotauro’ Nogueira during his illustrious career. But in the end, it was former UFC heavyweight champion Frank Mir who would not only be the first to KO ‘Big Nog,’ but the first to submit the former Pride heavyweight champion, via devastating kimura at UFC 140, breaking Nogueira’s right humerus in the process.
Comeback of the Year
Frank Mir vs. Antonio 'Minotauro' Nogueira (UFC 140)
RUNNERS-UP: Alan Belcher (career), Mike Swick (career), Tim Boetsch vs Yushin Okami (UFC 144), JP Joubert vs Norman Wessels (EFC Africa 15)
Before Frank Mir could lock on one of the most jaw-dropping submissions you’ll ever see, at UFC 140, he had to overcome serious adversity as ‘Big Nog’ had revenge on his mind, after suffering a TKO defeat due to Mir strikes at UFC 92 in December 2008. The Brazilian veteran, himself a one-time UFC title holder, punished Mir on the feet early on, sending him face-first to the mat. From there, Nogueira went for the finish, dropping for an anaconda choke. But Mir managed to reverse it and counter into a kimura. A riveting comeback, which showed the former champion’s will and grit.
Gym of the Year
Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu
RUNNERS-UP: American Kickboxing Academy, Kings MMA, Nova Uniao, Jackson-Winkeljohn MMA
With the likes of Nate Diaz, Gilbert Melendez, Jake Shields and Alexis Davis all earning outstanding victories in their respective promotions during the nomination period it’s perhaps no surprise that the Cesar Gracie Jiu-Jitsu team picked up the 2012 honours. And, with Nick Diaz making his long-awaited return to the Octagon soon, this year could be filled with even more success for ‘The Skrap Pack.’
Referee of the Year
Herb Dean
RUNNERS-UP: John McCarthy, Josh Rosenthal, Marc Goddard, Mario Yamasaki
Former fighter Herb Dean made his a triple, taking home the ‘Referee of the Year’ gong for the third year running. He’s been history’s only recipient of the award, and it’s obvious why. Yet another year of perhaps being the sport’s most dependable, knowledgeable and responsible third man in the bank.
Shawn Tompkins Coach of the Year
Rafael Cordeiro
RUNNERS-UP: Cesar Gracie, Greg Jackson, Javier Mendez, Andre Pederneiras
Considered to be one of the best striking coaches in the game, Rafael Cordeiro has taken a number of students under his wing to teach them the finer aspects of Muay Thai. From his time at Chute Boxe in Brazil, with the likes of Anderson Silva and Wanderlei Silva, to his new home in California where he sharpens the swords of Mark Munoz, Jake Ellenberger and Fabricio Werdum at Kings, Rafael Cordeiro has been a consistently great coach who is now helping a new generation of stars.
Leading Man of the Year
Dana White
RUNNERS-UP: Bjorn Rebney, Lorenzo Fertitta, Shannon Knapp, Victor Cui
Who else but Mr. UFC could take the ‘Leading Man of the Year’? White led the Las Vegas promotion to massive heights in 2012, as it infiltrated the mainstream like never before all across the globe, and hosted some of the most exciting battles and eye-popping moments in the sport’s history. All in a year’s work.
Ring GIrl of the Year
Brittney Palmer
RUNNERS-UP: Arianny Celeste, Jade Bryce, Kelli Hutcherson, Mercedes Terrell
For the first time in five years, the ‘Ring Girl of the Year’ award changed hands in Las Vegas. Longest-running Octagon girl Arianny Celeste conceded her reign of the category to former WEC card carrier Brittney Palmer. Two years the bridesmaid and, finally, this year the beautiful bride. Palmer’s 2012 boasted ring girl duties across the globe and a Playboy cover.
Best Promotion
UFC
RUNNERS-UP: Bellator FC, Invicta FC, One FC, Strikeforce
A greater number of events than ever in 2012 gave you, the fans, even more opportunity to see the fighters you love, doing what you love, all inside the UFC’s Octagon – the stage you’ve voted as your favourite for five years straight. A just reward for the hardest working promotion on the planet.
Personality of the Year
Joe Rogan
RUNNERS-UP: Bas Rutten, Bruce Buffer, Jon Anik, Mauro Ranallo
It’s not just behind a UFC microphone that colour commentator Joe Rogan perfected his trade this year. His Joe Rogan Experience podcast established an even greater footprint in 2012, where Joe notched up massive hits thanks to fascinating interviews with UFC contender Chael Sonnen and heavyweight Josh Barnett (twice) amongst many others.
Lifetime Achievement
Leon Tabbs
The original UFC cutman, Leon Tabbs, retired in 2012 after nearly 20 years tending to the warriors of the Octagon. So it was only fitting the 84-year-old be awarded this year’s ‘Lifetime Achievement’ statuette for a career that saw him continue to care for the best fighters in the world from spectacle, to outsider sport and up to its mainstream present.
Best Lifestyle Clothing Brand
Bad Boy
RUNNERS-UP: Dethrone, Headrush, Punishment, TapouT
Another year, another achievement for the Bad Boy trophy case. Bad Boy took the ‘Best Lifestyle Clothing’ silverware this year, following 2011’s ‘Best Technical Clothing’ win. Proving that, just like the world-class mixed martial artists it sponsors, Bad Boy is skilled in all areas.
Best Technical Clothing Brand
Clinch Gear
RUNNERS-UP: Bad Boy, Hayabusa, Jaco, Venum
Clinch Gear’s first spot on a Fighters Only Awards shortlist of any year came up trumps for the Dan Henderson-led brand, grabbing ‘Best Technical Clothing’ at the Las Vegas ceremony. All thanks to a 2012 packed with new, cutting-edge lines.
Media Source of the Year
Sherdog
RUNNERS-UP: ESPN, Inside MMA, MMA Fighting, MMA Junkie
The longest running MMA website finally comes good after four years of runners-up spots. Not only is Sherdog a valued news portal, its radio content network and exhaustive fight records have kept it amongst the best for over a decade, and now earned it a long-coveted ‘Media Source of the Year’ title.
Best Technical Equipment
Pretorian
RUNNERS-UP: Everlast, Fairtex, Hayabusa, Venum
Another first-time nominee, Brazilian brand Pretorian might not have years of expertise under its belt, having been founded only a few years ago, but any lack of experience hasn’t stopped it from producing some of the best gloves, shin guards and focus pads in the industry.
Picked up by exec Alexandre Bucci.
Journalist of the Year
Ariel Helwani
RUNNERS-UP: Ben Fowlkes, Gareth A Davies, John Morgan, Karyn Bryant
The industry’s best-known and best-connected TV journalist, Ariel Helwani, turned out another year of scoops and breaking news, via digital print and podcast, to take the ‘Journalist of the Year’ award for the third year running.
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