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Every year, Dana White chooses 'Performance of the Year' and 'Fight of the Year' for the UFC Honors President's Choice Awards. With the competency level of the athletes on the roster at an all-time high, the promotion witnessed some incredible fights in 2022, which contributed to the success of the MMA industry's global leader.
Fight fans were captivated by a number of enthralling contests in 2022, including Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler's back-and-forth battle, which ended with 'The Diamond' securing a third-round submission victory, and Matt Schnell's incredible comeback victory against Sumudaerji.
Despite having so many deserving nominees to choose from, Dana White picked the three-round, back-and-forth grueling battle between Khamzat Chimaev and Gilbert Burns at UFC 273 as 'Fight of the Year.'
American television sports reporter Heidl Androl announced the winner, stating:
"There were so many memorable fights in 2022 but there can only be one winner. It is an absolute honor to announce that this year's selection goes to Gilbert Burns vs. Khamzat Chimaev."
Gilbert Burns reacted to the news with a video message and said:
"Just got the news that my fight got the UFC honors. My fight with Khamzat Chimaev [in] April 2022 was one of the best fights and it got the UFC honors. So I'm very happy! Thank you UFC, I love the company. Thank you fans and [I am] here to stay."
Khamzat Chimaev sent a message thanking the UFC president and his beloved fans for recognizing his hard-fought victory against Burns:
"Thank you Dana White. Thanks to my fans and [I am] coming soon to take the belt in 2023."
Watch the full fight below:
UFC strawweight champion Zhang Weili was awarded the 'Performance of the Year' honor for her KO victory in the rematch against Joanna Jedrzejczyk at UFC 275.
Check out the full episode below:
Place your bets for the upcoming UFC Fight Night main card and earn $$$.
What did Dana White say about the slapping incident with his wife on New Year's Eve?
Dana White grabbed the media spotlight at the beginning of the year for all the wrong reasons. White was in the news for slapping his wife in Mexico on New Year's Eve while intoxicated.
The UFC president can finally take a breather now that the organization has announced some major developments, including the return of Jon Jones, the two-time light heavyweight champion.
However, White asserted during his first public appearance after the terrible physical altercation that his public image had been irreparably tarnished. White told the media ahead of UFC Vegas 67:
"I’ve got to walk around for however long I live.... and this is how I’m labeled now. My other punishment is that I’m sure a lot of people, whether it be the media, fighters, friends, acquaintances who had respect for me might not have respect for me now."
Check out the video below:
