As a recap, most “Fighter of the Year” awards on other sites are really “Breakout Fighter of the Year” awards in that fighters who win, were usually not top fighters in the beginning of the year, but became so by the end of the year.
A fighter like this can and has won our FotY awards, but our award is more about maintaining a high standing during the award year by performing well a sufficient number of times and against a sufficient quality of opponents. It is more comparable to a season MVP in major team sports, not a playoffs/surprise MVP.
Winner: Joanna Jedrzejczyk
Won the UFC Strawweight championship and defended it twice. Not much else to say here as she runs away with the award.
Runner-Up: Holly Holm
A 3-0 year, capped off by stopping Ronda Rousey, winning the championship and (perhaps) cementing herself as the greatest woman in combat sports history.
3rd Place: Cristiane Justino
A relatively dull year, but status quo for her. Her potential is obviously limited by the division she fights in, but Holm’s comments about considering the idea of fighting Cyborg leaves us hopeful.
[#2 SW] 
[#8 MW] 
[#12 MW] 
[#24 W115] 
