Weidman, Rousey, Gustafsson win big at Fighters Only World MMA Awards
When you beat the greatest of all time twice, you’re bound to win a few awards. Chris Weidman took home another one Friday night.
Weidman won the 2013 Charles “Mask Lewis” Fighter of the Year honor at the Fighters Only World MMA Awards in Las Vegas. He beat Anderson Silva by knockout in July to win the UFC middleweight title and then defeated him again in December when Silva’s leg broke on a kick attempt that Weidman blocked.
Weidman, who is undefeated, defends his belt in May against Vitor Belfort at UFC 173.
Ronda Rousey, the UFC women’s bantamweight champion, was named Female Fighter of the Year, a no-brainer for the person who convinced UFC president Dana White to bring females into the organization. Rousey defended her title against Liz Carmouche and Miesha Tate in 2013, winning both fights with her signature armbar. She takes on Sara McMann on Feb. 22 at UFC 170 in Las Vegas.
Alexander Gustafsson was a big winner Friday night, taking to awards back to Sweden. Gustafsson was honored as International Fighter of the Year and won Fight of the Year with Jon Jones for their incredible five-round UFC light heavyweight title fight in September.
Vitor Belfort won Knockout of the Year for his spinning back kick victory over Luke Rockhold in May. Urijah Faber took home Submission of the Year for his rear naked choke against Ivan Menjivar in February.
The annual Lifetime Achievement Award went fittingly to UFC 1 winner and Brazilian jiu-jitsu pioneer Royce Gracie.
Here are the rest of the results:
Breakthrough Fighter of the Year: Travis Browne
Comeback of the Year: Travis Browne (vs. Alistair Overeem, UFC Fight Night 26)
Shawn Tompkins Coach of the Year: Duane Ludwig
Gym of the Year: Team Alpha Male
Trainer of the Year: Mike Dolce
Referee of the Year: Herb Dean
Ringcard Girl of the Year: Brittney Palmer
Leading Man: Dana White
Personality of the Year: Chael Sonnen
Best Promotion: UFC
Media Source of the Year: MMA Fighting
Journalist of the Year: Ariel Helwani (MMA Fighting/FOX Sports)
Best Lifestyle Clothing: Bad Boy
Best Technical Clothing: Venum
Best Technical Equipment: Bad Boy
