Tyson, Jon Jones , Patan, McGregor, and Jake Paul were responsible for memorable moments. Photo: SUPER LUTAS montage
The year ends… and what have you done?
Paraphrasing John Lennon's song performed in Portuguese by singer Simone, there is nothing more noble than the analysis of the year that passed on December 31st. And MMA and boxing personalities starred in emblematic moments in 2024. Talking so much about nobility, it is worth mentioning that some of these facts are not the most praiseworthy.
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The SUPER LUTAS team has compiled a list of several of the most memorable episodes of the year that ends today for you to remember. Check it out:
Poatan saves the company and wins three events
Alex Poatan is no accident among the most important names of 2024. Collecting accolades worldwide throughout the year, the São Paulo native concludes a season in which he simply saved three UFC events, winning them all by knockout.
At UFC 300 , the organization struggled with the pressure of having big names to headline the centennial event without Conor McGregor , Jon Jones , and Israel Adesanya available. Poatan rose to the challenge and knocked out Jamahal Hill , celebrating in style.
Later, during International Fight Week, the company didn't have McGregor. The Irishman had been injured shortly before. The light heavyweight champion (up to 93kg) stepped back into the octagon just two months after his last fight. He knocked out Jiri Prochazka for the second time and retained the belt.
The year was already good. But it could get better. With a difficult training camp, plagued by old injuries, fevers, and even a sore throat, Alex Poatan prepared as best he could to perform again after four months. He simply overwhelmed Khalil Rountree , to the point of disfiguring him and 'ruining' his nose. Three shows in six months.
Ah! Elected 'Fighter of the Year' at the MMA Oscars. Call me!
Popo knocks out Bambam in 36 seconds
Kleber Bambam stretched out on the ropes after Popó's punishment. Photo: Reproduction/Twitter
The year of fights began with, among other events, another Fight Music Show . The promotion, with its diverse lineup of names, becomes more popular with each show. In its fourth edition, four-time world champion Acelino 'Popó' Freitas performed for a very short time. After former Big Brother Brazil contestant Kleber Bambam confirmed his boastful style and promised too much before the fight, Popó knocked him out in just 36 seconds. The boxer scored two knockdowns, and the referee stopped the fight.
Popo's knockout of Bambam was only slower than McGregor's knockout of José Aldo.
— Genius Neymar Jr.³ (@genioneymarjr1) February 25, 2024
The boxer would return to the ring in 2024. And in the very next edition of FMS , he would put an end to questions about his fights against influencers by defeating the famous 'El Chino' Miranda in a five-round fight by decision. After the victory, Popó even hinted at choosing his next victim on FMS : the businessman and former candidate for Mayor of São Paulo, Pablo Marçal.
Return and overcoming of Francis Ngannou
Francis Ngannou with his new championship belt. Photo: PFL Reproduction
After almost three years away from the sport, one of the greatest MMA fighters returned in 2024, and in style! Francis Ngannou , former UFC heavyweight champion (up to 120,2kg), debuted in his new league, the PFL. He immediately took on the title fight that was held by the Brazilian giant Renan Problema . The Franco-Cameroonian fighter made short work of his opponent and won by knockout in the first round at an event held in Saudi Arabia.
However, Ngannou's return to the octagon was marked by profound grief. In April of this year, the fighter lost his son Kobe, who was only a year and a half old. In an interview, the fighter revealed that the loss made him consider retirement, but the decision to continue fighting came as a way to honor his son's memory and find purpose amidst the pain.
Conor McGregor's conviction
Conor McGregor on his way to the Dublin High Court in Ireland. Photo: Reuters
A year of upheavals in the life of 'The Notorious'. Out of the octagon for more than three years, Conor McGregor was convicted in civil court in November for sexual assault by an Irish court. The case involved a woman in December 2018. According to Nikita Hand, the fighter raped her in a hotel in Dublin. The compensation to be paid to Hand reached €248,603.60 (more than R$1,5 million). McGregor said he intends to appeal the decision.
Following the conviction, the empire that 'The Notorious' built outside the octagon began to crumble. He lost a stake in a computer game, as well as followers on social media. Irish retailers also boycotted the sale of alcoholic beverages that use the fighter's brand. Even 'Proximo Spirits', the company that bought McGregor's whiskey brand in 2021, announced that it will no longer use the Irishman's name or image on the drink. A hard blow suffered by the most media-savvy MMA fighter in the world.
Jake Paul vs Mike Tyson
Jake Paul attempts to punch Mike Tyson . Photo: Netflix reproduction.
Was it profitable? Yes! Was it what everyone expected? No!
On November 15th, Jake Paul and Mike Tyson starred in one of the most anticipated fights of the year. The duo attracted over 108 million viewers who tuned in to Netflix to watch the most-watched sporting event in the streaming giant's history. On one side, an influencer and actor who discovered himself as a boxer. On the other, a living legend of the sport with a career full of highs and lows. Separated by 30 years, the 'Problem Kid' defeated one of the most feared men on the planet after eight rounds by unanimous decision of the judges.
However, there was much speculation about a possible staged fight. Professionals in the noble art and fans were disappointed with Tyson's performance, who appeared like a lion in training but was a kitten against Paul. The YouTuber's company, which promoted the event, publicly denied that the fight followed a script. Days later, Mike Tyson appeared saying he didn't remember the fight that day.
Jon Jones returns, wins and doesn't retire
UFC 309 became one of the most anticipated events of the year since Jon Jones ' name was announced. The organization's star would return to the scene a year and eight months later to face Croatian-American Stipe Miocic in defense of the heavyweight title (up to 120,2kg).
The atmosphere of history being written grew even more tense with 'Bones's' speeches flirting with retirement. It could be the last fight of one of the greatest to ever stand in that octagon.
Plot twist: Jon Jones knocked out Stipe Miocic in the third round with a flurry of punches following a spinning kick and announced in the cage: he's still in the game. Who's next?
Johnny Walker opens up about his heavyweight debut at UFC 332.
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