Sherdog's 2025 MMA Year-End Awards: Winners, Highlights & Analysis (2026)

Get ready for a thrilling journey as we dive into Sherdog's 2025 Year-End Awards! The world of mixed martial arts never fails to amaze, and this year was no exception. From the Professional Fighters League to the Rizin Fighting Federation, ONE Championship, and beyond, the sport continued its global expansion, captivating fans across the globe.

But here's where it gets controversial... While the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) remains the industry leader, the year saw a shift in power dynamics. Some long-time favorites, like Mackenzie Dern and Jon Jones, reached new heights, while others, such as Dricus DuPlessis and Weili Zhang, faced unexpected challenges. It's a testament to the ever-evolving nature of this sport.

The year was filled with unforgettable moments: devastating knockouts, bone-crunching submissions, and intense rivalries that left fans on the edge of their seats. New stars emerged, like Michael Morales and Thad Jean, adding fresh excitement to the mix.

Now, let's dive into the complete list of Sherdog's 2025 Year-End Awards:

Male Fighter of the Year - Brian Knapp's pick
Female Fighter of the Year - Brian Knapp's selection
Fight of the Year - Brian Knapp's choice
Knockout of the Year - Brian Knapp's highlight
Submission of the Year - Ben Duffy's selection
Story of the Year - Tristen Critchfield's pick
Mr. All-Violence - Jay Pettry's choice
Ms. All-Violence - Brian Knapp's selection
Beatdown of the Year - Ben Duffy's highlight
Event of the Year - Jay Pettry's pick
Breakthrough Fighter of the Year - Ben Duffy's choice
Robbery of the Year - Tyler Treese's selection
Round of the Year - Tyler Treese's highlight
Comeback Fighter of the Year - Ben Duffy's pick
Upset of the Year - Ben Duffy's selection
Entrance of the Year - Jay Pettry's choice

These awards were voted on by a panel of Sherdog staff members, including Mike Fridley, Brian Knapp, Tristen Critchfield, and more. Get ready to dive deep into the world of MMA and discover the stories behind these prestigious awards!

And this is the part most people miss... the awards are just the beginning. What do you think? Who do you think deserves these honors? Join the conversation and let us know your thoughts in the comments! We want to hear your opinions and spark some friendly debate among the MMA community.

Sherdog's 2025 MMA Year-End Awards: Winners, Highlights & Analysis (2026)
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