World MMA Awards: Brittney Retires, Herb Wins Best Ref?!

The stars of MMA were out in full force for the annual award show honoring the best of the best in all categories of the sport.

Last night, (Thurs., Dec. 14, 2023), the mixed martial arts (MMA) world ditched their Venum fight kits and put on suits and dresses for the “15th Annual World MMA Awards” in Las Vegas, Nevada. The awards show has become a December tradition celebrating the best in mixed martial arts, with awards celebrating the best fighters, coaches, moments and even ring girls in the sport.

There were few surprises in the top categories: Leon Edwards and Alexa Grasso cleaned up in multiple categories. Edwards earned Male Fighter of the Year, International Fighter of the Year, Knockout of the Year, and Comeback of the Year for his wins over Kamaru Usman. Grasso was awarded Female Fighter of the year, Submission of the Year, and Upset of the Year for dethroning Valentina Shevchenko.

Volkanovski vs. Makhachev 1 was rightfully dubbed Fight of the Year. Alex Pereira was named Breakthrough Fighter of the Year for storming the UFC and winning belts in two divisions. Matt Brown won Coach of the Year and American Top Team was named Gym of the Year. Michael Bisping earned Analyst of the Year, and Herb Dean was … named Referee of the Year?

Brittney Palmer also won Ring Card Girl of the Year and decided to go out on top, announcing her retirement in front of the crowd.

“This weekend will be my last event and I am so absolutely grateful for this unforgettable experience,” she said. “I’ve traveled the world and met some unforgettable people. And I’ve met some lifelong friends. I will forever appreciate the memories and I’m so excited for the future. Thank you to the UFC, Dana White, and to all the fans for this incredible honor. I’m truly blessed to be a part of this journey. I love you guys.”

At host Chael Sonnen’s suggestion, she laid down her iconic red booty shorts on the stage.

The full results from the 15th Annual World MMA Awards here:

Male Fighter of the Year: Leon Edwards
Female Fighter of the Year: Alexa Grasso
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ken Shamrock
Fight of the Year: Islam Makhachev def. Alexander Volkanovski at UFC 284
International Fighter of the Year: Leon Edwards
Breakthrough Fighter of the Year: Alex Pereira
Knockout of the Year: Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman at UFC 178
Submission of the Year: Alexa Grasso def. Valentina Shevchenko
Comeback of the Year: Leon Edwards def. Kamaru Usman at UFC 178
Upset of the Year: Alexa Grasso
Coach of the Year: Mike Brown
Gym of the Year: American Top Team
Fighting Spirit of the Year: Themba Gorimba
Referee of the Year: Herb Dean
Ring Card Girl of the Year: Brittney Palmer
Analyst of the Year: Michael Bisping
Trainer of the Year: Heather Linden
MMA Media Source of the Year: ESPN
MMA Journalist of the Year: Ariel Helwani
Best MMA Programming: Dana White’s Contender Series
Leading Man of the Year: Dana White
Personality of the Year: Joe Rogan
Promotion of the Year: UFC