UFC’s greatest knockout, submission, performer and struggle of 2024 named in awards
‘The Insidy’ awards are back and unlike the winter fuel allowance we guarantee a warm glow for all as we highlight another red-hot year in the Octagon.
I’d like to thank Christopher Biggins for taking a break from pantomime season to hand out the gongs at the star-studded night – sorry we couldn’t find a Little Chef closer to Woking theatre.
And just as Biggins is Mr Panto, UFC president Dana White, despite some nominal competition, remains Mr MMA, although coincidently they both play a mean Widow Twankey and love BJJ (Brazilian jiu-jitsu).
While some have claimed the voting patterns were as suspicious as Prince Andrew at the Golden Palace buffet, as always, there have been plenty of standout, knockout and tap-out moments to enjoy. And the winners are…
Fighter of the Year: Alex Pereira
(Image: Getty Images)
Was in camp more often than Bear Grylls as three title defences in 175 days – the shortest turnaround in UFC history – set the Brazilian apart from the rest, having only won the light-heavyweight title in November 2023.
Having defeated Jamahal Hill in April, ‘Poatan’ stepped in at late notice to save UFC 303 two months later against Jiri Prochazka before rounding out the year with a vicious beating of Khalil Rountree Jr.
Despite his limited English, Pereira’s natural charm and charisma had universal appeal and has helped him become a worldwide superstar. Carried the company to a large extent and two-division champ could even look to add the heavyweight crown next.
Honourable mention: Ilia Topuria. The featherweight champion knocked out both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway, which would make most fighter’s careers, let alone year.
(Image: Zuffa LLC)
Knockout of the Year: Max Holloway
The Hawaiian produced an iconic moment at UFC 300 that will get more repeats than UK Gold.
Despite clearly winning a five-round war with Justin Gaethje for the ‘BMF’ title on points, Holloway stood in the middle of the octagon, pointed to the floor and welcomed a fire fight with his opponent.
The 33-year-old’s bravado was rewarded when a swinging right hand connected cleanly with a second left on the clock.
HM: Shara Magomedov. His double spinning back fists to deck Armen Petrosyan at UFC 308 was a memorable and unique finish.
(Image: Getty Images)
Fight of the Year: Esteban Ribovics v Daniel Zellhuber, UFC 306
This category was more open than Gary Lineker’s Saturdays in his 2025 diary, but the spectacular surroundings of the Las Vegas Sphere, utilising its immersive LED screens, ensured this fight got the nod.
The stand-up battle started briskly and the intensity only grew every round, with the back-and-forth battle not slowing down until the final hooter. Mexico lightweight Ribovics got a split-decision win, but both men advanced their careers.
HM: Holloway and Gaethje, UFC 300.
(Image: Zuffa LLC via Getty Images)
Submission of the Year: Paddy Pimblett
On a card in Manchester that finished around 5am, ‘The Baddy’ fittingly put King Green to sleep at the Co-op Live.
The Liverpool lightweight’s biggest win to date came after he wrapped his legs around the neck of the American, the vice-like grip of his triangle choke ending the fight in the first round. Bed time for Green, while Pimblett sent alarm bells ringing through the division.
HM: Dricus Du Plessis. Retained his middleweight title at UFC 305 with a textbook face crank on Israel Adesanya.
