Jamahal Hill replaces Alex Pereira as the controversial Fighter of the Year
It’s that time of year when everyone shares their picks for Fighter of the Year. But during an interview with Jon Bernard, Aljamain Sterling accidentally named Jamahal Hill as Fighter of the Year, a choice that left fans baffled.
Jamahal Hill Controversially Named Fighter of the Year Over Alex Pereira
The former bantamweight champion quickly realized his mistake and corrected himself, laughing it off by blaming the rigors of weight cutting.
“I feel like you have to give it to Jamaha Hill. Jamahl Hill—damn, I’m cutting weight. Alex Pereira,” he said.
This slip-up caught attention, especially since Hill’s 2024 campaign was far from remarkable, making the confusion even more puzzling. To Bernard’s credit, the interviewer kept his composure despite the surprising answer, having heard almost unanimous praise for Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria in similar conversations with fighters like Ciryl Gane and Alexandre Pantoja.
Pereira, after all, had an outstanding year, reclaiming UFC gold, defending it three times, and cementing his place as one of the elite fighters in the sport.
Sterling’s Slip-Up Sparks Debate
Sterling’s mistake, which he attributed to a carb-deprived diet, added fuel to the ongoing Fighter of the Year debate. The broader UFC community remains split over which fighter had the most impactful year.
While Pereira officially received the honor, some, including UFC legend Daniel Cormier, argued that featherweight champion Ilia Topuria deserved the accolade due to the level of competition he faced in 2024.
Pereira’s achievements this year were undeniably impressive. He delivered shocking knockouts against Jiri Prochazka, Jamahal Hill, and Khalil Rountree, two of whom stepped in on short notice. These victories helped the UFC salvage its marquee UFC 300 PPV event. Despite this, Pereira avoided facing the top contender for his title, casting a shadow of controversy over his otherwise stellar year.
The Case for Ilia Topuria
In contrast, Ilia Topuria’s 2024 campaign marked the rise of a new global star within the UFC. He faced two of the greatest featherweights in history and dominated them without taking significant damage. Defeating both Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway in the same year is no small feat, especially considering Holloway’s recent victory over Justin Gaethje.
Volkanovski, a longtime featherweight champion, suffered his first comprehensive defeat at the hands of Topuria, while Holloway was knocked out for the first time in his career. These victories signaled the arrival of a new generation of fighters who are far more well-rounded than their predecessors.
Topuria’s success isn’t just about the victories; it’s also about what they represent. Today’s fighters are not simply strikers or wrestlers who dabble in the other discipline. They are complete athletes, excelling in every facet of the game, and Topuria exemplifies this evolution. For these reasons, the Spanish fighter is a legitimate contender for Fighter of the Year.
A Heated Debate
The Fighter of the Year debate rages on, with fans and analysts divided over who truly deserves the title. While Pereira’s accomplishments are hard to overlook, Topuria’s rise and dominance make a compelling case. Meanwhile, Sterling’s accidental nod to Hill has added a humorous yet controversial twist to the conversation.
As the UFC continues to evolve, debates like these highlight the depth of talent in the organization and keep fans engaged. Whether it’s Pereira, Topuria, or even Hill, one thing is certain: the 2024 season will be remembered as a landmark year in MMA history.
