The 2011 World MMA Awards were held last night at The Pearl at the Palms in Las Vegas. The awards, which honor achievements in the sport of MMA from September 2010 until August 2011, not only honor individuals but brands, gyms, media sources, and ring entrances among the titles.
The Charles “Mask” Lewis Fighter of the Year title was awarded to Jon Jones, not surprisingly. The title is named after one of the founders of the TapouT clothing brand that promotes many MMA fighters. Lewis was killed in a car crash in 2009.
UFC President Dana White won the Leading Man of the Year title, Arianny Celeste was named the Ring Girl of the Year, and Donald Cerrone was awarded the Breakthrough Fighter of the Year title.
Shawn Tompkins, who passed away earlier this year, was honored with a special lifetime achievement award.
Miesha Tate was named the Female Fighter of the Year. Congratulations to her, we love girls getting acknowledged for their part in the sport! We do not, however, love the green dress she chose to wear.
Some of the other awards included:
International Fighter of the Year: Alistair Overeem
Gym of the Year: Black House
Referee of the Year: Herb Dean
Comeback of the Year: Cheick Kongo
Test Technical Equipment: Everlast
MMA Journalist of the Year: Ariel Helwani
Coach of the Year: Greg Jackson
Media Source of the Year: MMAJunkie.com
Celebrities in attendance included Derek Hough, Mark Ballas, Cheryl Burke, Frankie Muniz, and Fox sportscaster Curt Menefee.
The awards ceremony will be televised on Dec. 11 on Fox Sports Net.
Photos: Judy Eddy/Wenn.com
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About Catherine SebringCatherine Sebring is the former publicist for Los Angeles Lakers superstar guard, Kobe Bryant. She and her resident writer Leah Hollar are the Queen of Sports. Check them out at http://queenofsports.com
