2015 marked one of the most memorable years in UFC history. From Dana White’s “fight of the ever” to the biggest upset ever, it was a wild ride that will be hard to top. But with 2015 in the rearview mirror, it’s time to commemorate some of the best moments of monumental 365 days. And may 2016 bring you good fortune and a few amazing payouts.
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FIGHTER OF THE YEAR: CONOR MCGREGOR
The Irishman took the MMA world by storm in 2015, with his magnetic personality, electric fighting style and the fulfillment of every one of his wildly ambitious predictions. He became the promotion’s biggest star, and for the first time ever, a fighter seems bigger than the promotion. Should he get the paydays he’s demanding - and there’s no reason to think he won’t - it could break the floodgates wide open for an issue that’s been plaguing the UFC for years: fighter pay.
Now as the featherweight champion, 2016 is going to be a big year for McGregor. He has already stated his desire to become the first simultaneous champion in two weight classes, and that storyline is already the most compelling narrative for the new year.
FIGHT OF THE YEAR: ROBBIE LAWLER VS. RORY MACDONALD
UFC 189 produced the only moment that somehow overshadowed McGregor in a headlining bout. That’s because welterweight champion Robbie Lawler and Rory MacDonald put on a war for the ages - Dana White’s “Fight of the Ever.” It was a thrilling, brutal back-and-forth affair, with momentum changes, near finishes and no shortage of drama.
In the end, it all came down to heart and determination, and Robbie Lawler prevailed in the last round of a fight that he would have lost had the fight made it to the final bell. It was the type of fight that turns casual fans into hardcore fans, and it has already been christened as the greatest title fight in UFC history.
UPSET OF THE YEAR: HOLLY HOLM vs. RONDA ROUSEY
As meteoric as McGregor’s rise was, Rousey’s fall was every bit as precipitous. Rousey, the UFC’s biggest star, had become a household name, starring in A-list movies, appearing on nearly every talk show under the sun, gracing the covers of magazine, and earning the praises of athletes such as Lebron James.
Holm was supposed to be just another victim of Rousey’s violence and entered the bout as high as a +1250 favorite. But the form boxing world champion not only beat Rousey, she completely destroyed the superstar in what could only be described as MMA’s version of Tyson-Douglas. It wasn’t just the belt that Rousey lost. It was her aura of invincibility. To make matters worse, it seemed that public opinion turned against her, with a countless number of fans and celebrities alike rubbing salt in the wound.
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