The 13th annual Fighters Only World MMA Awards take place Friday in Las Vegas, and after an intermission on a live ceremony because of COVID-19, the in-person festivities will return.
Chael Sonnen, a former three-time UFC title challenger and Bellator fighter now retired and serving as an ESPN analyst, will host the event on Friday, the eve of UFC 269, at Worre Studio.
It hasn’t been an easy road for Fighters Only to put on the type of awards ceremony it can be proud of. Although MMA awards are commonplace for all the major media outlets, the World MMA Awards are a production unlike any other.
Historically, a collection of the biggest figures, coaches, cornermen, promoters, ring girls, media members, and more have come together for a night of celebration. In practice, it’s the closest thing MMA has to the Grammys or Emmys, even if some question the overall significance.
Putting on the show each year is the pride and joy of Fighters Only CEO Rob Hewitt, who has been navigating the minefield of logistical issues to execute a ceremony that meets his standard during the COVID-19 era.
“The pandemic has caused tremendous issues for many businesses, but also tremendous issues for many of us,” Hewitt told MMA Junkie “I had to pivot with regard to timeframe and voting periods and all that in order to make sure the majority of people were covered. This year has been a challenge with regard to holding the actual event.”
Eligibility for this year’s World MMA Awards was from June 2020 through June 2021. MMA Junkie is nominated for “Best Media Source,” while lead staff reporter John Morgan is nominated for “Best Journalist.”
Hewitt said he expects roughly 500 people in attendance, all of whom have been specifically invited due to their connection with the ceremony.
Hewitt said COVID-19 restrictions made it difficult to find a venue that could accommodate his needs, but he found a perfect fit to ensure the safety and enjoyment of all.
“We’re called Fighters Only for a reason, because we fight to overcome circumstances and be able to provide something that’s in line with the way we tried to do things,” Hewitt said. “We’ve jumped through many hoops and had to do a lot to try to maintain or raise the standard to something higher.”
Although fans won’t be able to attend the live event like previous years, Hewitt said there will be opportunities to not only watch live online (with streaming details forthcoming), but also be interactive with the show itself.
Securing Sonnen, who is one of the most charismatic fighters in MMA history, as host was a big win for Hewitt, too, he said, and he’s confident that despite the circumstances, this will be among the best shows to date.
“Our award show is one of a kind, and it’s done in a high class, and we’re committed to doing it every year,” Hewitt said. “Despite all the trying circumstances we’ve had to go through, we are proud of this event. It will be the 13th annual event done in the exact same spirit as in the past.”