Reviewing the candidates for MMA’s 2024 ‘Fight of the Year’ award

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With the 2024 World MMA Awards approaching in less than a week there is still no consensus on what the best mixed martial arts battle of the year was. 

It took some time for the year to get going, most of the best fights came from UFC 300 to the end of the year. 

Max Holloway vs. Justin Gaethje springs to mind for many, but the presumptive ‘KO of the Year’ winning fight was not as violent and competitive throughout as many others. 

Two months later, UFC legend Dustin Poirier fought Islam Makhachev for lightweight gold in a fight where he was counted out. Poirier defended the wrestling of the Dagestani better than anyone expected, but the striking duel they put on was thrilling until Makhachev submitted Dustin in the final round. 

UFC 305 saw Dan Hooker snatch a split decision from Mateusz Gamrot in an absolute war, like so many of Hooker’s other fights. 

During the very next PPV, the Las Vegas Sphere card entitled ‘Noche UFC,’ Argentina’s Esteban Ribovics and Mexico’s Daniel Zellhuber fought to split scorecards as well in an even more violent outing between lightweight prospects. 

— ESPN BET (@ESPNBET) September 15, 2024

The lightweight division continued to put on excellent fights and dominate this category when fans at UFC 308 in Abu Dhabi were treated to the bloodiest bout of the year as Myktybek Orolbai somehow survived a third round beatdown during a tied fight where he appeared to be done for no less than five times. 

Finally, UFC 309’s co-main event rematch between Charles Oliveira and Michael Chandler delivered excitement for five rounds, although Oliveira persevered through endless fouls to dominate the first four of those.

The fight makes the shortlist because of the final round, where Chandler almost snatched victory by dropping Oliveira and landing hammerfists to his grounded opponent (though many illegally hit the back of the head), who somehow survived to the final buzzer and won the decision. 

Despite fierce competition, only one can win, and if I was asked I would answer that Ribovics vs. Zellhuber had the best combination of violence, skill, and competitive action throughout the bout. 

Five round fights almost always win this award because there is more time to deliver action – and because the best fighters are in those fights – but this year it was three round fights which delivered the most excitement in MMA.

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