Bellator MMA Year-End Awards For 2019

patricio freire | Bellator MMA

Without further adieu …

Fighter of the Year: Patricio “Pitbull” Freire

He had title bouts in two weight classes and was successful in both. He took Michael Chandler’s title at 155 pounds at Bellator 221 in May, then successfully defended his 145-pound title at Bellator 228 in a five-round war with Juan Archuleta, a man who was previously on an 18-fight win streak. Since his title is on the line in every round of the Featherweight Grand Prix, 2020 could be an even better year.

Fight of the Year: Ilima-Lei Macfarlane vs. Veta Arteaga

“Ilimanator” Ilima-Lei Macfarlane was the undefeated Flyweight champion both before and after this fight took place, but in between Arteaga reminded viewers why she is considered among the toughest fighters at 125 pounds in any organization. She stifled Macfarlane’s ground game, went hold for hold and strike for strike, and only a dicing forehead gashing elbow from the champion could finally put the challenger away.

Knockout of the Year: A.J. McKee at Bellator 228

It only took “Mercenary” A.J. McKee eight seconds to advance in the Featherweight Grand Prix. Sit back and listen to Mauro Ranallo call the action — what little of it there is.

Submission of the Year: Daniel Straus

After returning from a horrific motorcycle accident that nearly ended his career, former Featherweight champion Daniel Straus took on Shane Kruchten in a fight where simply looking good would have been good enough. He may have had to learn how to walk again, but he definitely didn’t have to learn how to use his jiu-jitsu again.

Biggest Robbery of the Year: MacDonald vs. Fitch

Once regarded as one of the toughest and most relentless Welterweight fighters of the generation, “Red King” Rory MacDonald was widely expected to cruise past the veteran Jon Fitch en route to another title defense in the 170-pound tournament. Instead, MacDonald just barely managed to eke out a draw in a fight where the pundit consensus was that Fitch not only out worked MacDonald but should have walked away with the gold.

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