The 2020 Heavies Awards: Fight of The Year - WINNER: Weili Vs Joanna

[JustBleed69]

Fight of the Year
Despite all of the challenges and hurdles faced by the UFC, MMA, Fans and Fighters alike 2020 still brought fourth some incredible action, and its no surprise that this list is stuffed full of action, drama, tension and of course, controversy.

Weili Zhang Vs. Joanna Jedrzejczkvia - UFC 248 - Split Decision win for Weili

On March 7th Weili and Joanna faced off for the Strawweight title match in what can only be described as a true test of grit, determination and tenacity. For 5 full rounds they exchanged leather, and did everything they could to pull out a victory. Of course, I wouldn't be doing the fight justice if I didn't recall the massive welt that formed on Joanna's head, causing both concern and intrigue across the MMA community. The result was arguably on of the most memorable MMA fights to-date.​

Vincente Luque Vs Niko Price - UFC 249 - Niko Price Wins via TKO

These two fighters are known for their aggressiveness, striking, and unique flavor that they bring to the sport. When fans saw this match made, it was no doubt this was going to be a barn burner and when Vincente and Niko met in the octagon on May 5th the fans were not disappointed.​

Spike Carlyle Vs. Billy Quarantillo UFC in ESPN - Spike Wins Via UD

When this match was made, a rivalry began to bubble between Spike and Billy. Spike had defeated Billy's teammate Aalon Cruz earlier in the year at UFC Norfolk. From the opening bell, the events that followed can only be described as chaos, showmanship, and two guys who refused to lose to each other....but mostly chaos. There were flying knees, there were wild haymakers....and even a showmanship moment by Spike that almost went horrible wrong when he turned his back to his opponent at the end of round 1, and began walking to his corner before the bell rang and nearly got Ko'd for it. While its not the highest profile fight on this list, its certainly the most chaotic.​

Josh Emmett Vs. Shane Burgos - UFC on ESPN 10 - Shane Burgos Wins Via UD

Shane Burgos always likes to move forward, pressure his opponent, but typically likes to counter punch. Josh Emmet likes to walk his opponents into his monster punches. What happens when two naturally counter intuitive styles collide? Straight up fireworks. With both fighters at such crucial stages in their careers, neither guy was going to leave the octagon by their own free will. Massive punches and kicks were thrown on both sides in a back and forth battle in one of those fights where you wish there wasn't a loser.

Dustin Poirer Vs Dan Hooker - UFC on ESPN12 - Dustin wins Via UD

Dustin was coming off a heartbreaking loss to Khabib, and Dan Hooker had been storming through the division, and smashing his way to a deservedly massive fight with Dustin. When the two met in the octagon it became immediately clear that Dustin Poirer wasn't going anywhere, and that Dan Hooker belonged amongst the ranks of the Lightweight Elite. This was a fight that evolved, adapted and changed through out a brutal 5 rounds. Both fighters were pushed well beyond their breaking points and provided a competitive scrap that will be remembered for years to come.

Deiveson Figueiredo Vs Brandon Moreno - UFC 256 - Majority Draw

Due to Petr Yan Vs. Aljamin Sterling falling apart at the last second, the last UFC PPV of the year was in jeopardy. Fig and Moreno impressed and shocked fans with their performances at UFC 255, and decided that they would be the heroes that the fans deserved, and save UFC 256. On just 3 weeks notice, the two flyweights met in a battle for the Flyweight Belt. The significance of this fight is undeniable, as it resembles the beginning of a new age in Flyweight that fans have been craving since the departure of Demetrious Johnson.


Jon Jones Vs Dominick Reyes - UFC 247 - Jon Jones Wins Via Unanimous Decision

Jon Jones has been one of the most dominant champions the UFC has ever seen, but as we've learned over the years sometimes the greats are challenged the most when you least expect it. Dominick Reyes was a massive underdog going into the fight, but he made betters and Jon Jones fans around the world sweat mightily when he came out of the gates hot vs Jones. The war faded in the later rounds, but provided a controversial and memorable fight that fans still discuss regularly to this day.​

Honorable Mentions:
Marvin Vettori Vs Jack Hermanson - UFC on ESPN 19
Dan Hooker Vs Paul Felder - UFC Fight Night 168
​

1. Zhang vs Joanna
2. Poirier vs Hooker
3. Figueredo vs Moreno

 

[Kyojiro Kagenuma]

The voting is nothing but a handicap fight going up against men fighting. You are seeing a fuck ton of sympathy votes for participation.

Whatever helps you sleep at night

 

[Viking Power]

Probably some recency bias but I gotta go with Figgy-Moreno.

 

[Ares Black]

The voting is nothing but a handicap fight going up against men fighting. You are seeing a fuck ton of sympathy votes for participation.

It was clearly Fight of the Year.

 

[Ares Black]

Weili vs Joanna for me. Crazy to think theres still a squad of dudes here that hate on wmma and say they have no talent.

Yeah WMMA haters are weird.

 

[Kryptt]

 

[Fahcough]

It was clearly Fight of the Year.

If you're easily impressed by repeat sparring drills and no finishing power without the Mixed part of MMA. Then yea, I could see you recruiting a bunch of sheep followers.

 

[Ares Black]

If you're easily impressed by repeat sparring drills and no finishing power without the Mixed part of MMA. Then yea, I could see you recruiting a bunch of sheep followers.

I am very easily impressed.

And I really suggest you watch the fight. It's really good!

 

[Fahcough]

Whatever helps you sleep at night

Healthy life patterns, eating clean, insane work ethic in gym

 

[Fahcough]

I am very easily impressed.

And I really suggest you watch the fight. It's really good!

It was a very memorable exhibition. I remember the 1st being the same as the 2nd and the 3rd and also remember going to fridge to make time pass quicker. I remember it having less MMA than Figgy/Moreno.

 

[Dana's Moonface]

If you're easily impressed by repeat sparring drills and no finishing power without the Mixed part of MMA. Then yea, I could see you recruiting a bunch of sheep followers.

I have watched little wmma, but the bits I have watched are awful

Don't get the appeal watching a bunch of soccer mums play fighter

 

[Slippage]

Zhang vs Joanna. Easily.

An all-timer of a fight, and a game changer for Women's MMA.

It's the kind of fight you show to casuals who don't "get" why MMA is a sport worth their time, and in all probability can convert them into new fans with watching 5 rounds of non-stop precision violence. I feel like Teddy Atlas truly became an MMA convert after watching his breakdown on how incredible he thought the fight was.

Joanna's head being turned into Megamind was just icing on the cake. A perfect spectacle!

 

[Fahcough]

I have watched little wmma, but the bits I have watched are awful

Don't get the appeal watching a bunch of soccer mums play fighter

Its the perfect time in prelims to get some uninterrupted sets in. And on main card is just enough time to shower.
The one they rant and rave on have skill* they weren't sloppy HW brawling but the W part of WMMA will always keep them as amateurs. They aren't good enough to compete with the professionals, so they stay in a handicap division.

 

[Ares Black]

It was a very memorable exhibition. I remember the 1st being the same as the 2nd and the 3rd and also remember going to fridge to make time pass quicker. I remember it having less MMA than Figgy/Moreno.

You didn't really watch the fight then.

That's ok. Maybe you will catch the next FOTY live.

 

[Ares Black]

the W part of WMMA will always keep them as amateurs.

Lol. This is a completely ridiculous thing to think.

But I still appreciate you Sherbro!
Even if you didn't vote for me in the finals.....

 

[PurpleStorm]

I loved Zhang Weili vs. Joanna J. Voted for it for fight of the year. Neither backing down throughout all five rounds. Excruciating close. Both women holding their beat up heads high. Both winding up in hospital afterward. We can never doubt that they bring everything they have - training, preparation, game planning, execution, courage and will to win. Bravo to both.

Great fights on that list, every one.

Deiveson F. vs. Brandon M. stands out for me because it's so recent. Going into it we knew it would be a great fight. Then it went and exceeded our expectations. There were moments where it looked like one of them might get the tko. Then the other would get a second wind and start pouring it on. Both of those guys showed heart. It's one of those fights where both fighters rose in stature and got me to go back and watch all of their fights.

 

[Dragonseeker]

Weili vs Joanna easily. One of the best fights of all time. And the best display of striking skills on this list.

 

[Fahcough]

Lol. This is a completely ridiculous thing to think.

But I still appreciate you Sherbro!
Even if you didn't vote for me in the finals.....

Gave the voting 2 solid rounds. The thing that cost in the final round was lack of substance. Hard to go against the gif master in a head to head. and @Zebra Cheeks has been quick on the trigger to save my ass at least 3 times <45> some of the jokes end up going too dark.

And women can't fight with men... it's why they have their own org. Not so ridiculous for them to be never as good.

 

[Ares Black]

Gave the voting 2 solid rounds. The thing that cost in the final round was lack of substance. Hard to go against the gif master in a head to head. and @Zebra Cheeks has been quick on the trigger to save my ass at least 3 times <45> some of the jokes end up going too dark.

And women can't fight with men... it's why they have their own org. Not so ridiculous for them to be never as good.

Fair enough, and agree to disagree, Sherbro!

 

[Ares Black]

1. Zhang vs Joanna
2. Poirier vs Hooker
3. Figueredo vs Moreno

Sounds about right