August 2024 was another thrilling month in MMA, packed with fights that had fans on the edge of their seats. From high-stakes title defenses to epic slugfests, the action was non-stop, and MMA Junkie took note of the best of the best. Here are the top five nominees for Fight of the Month, in chronological order, with the winner crowned at the end. Dive in, and don’t forget to let us know if we got it right by casting your vote!
Nominee: Shara Magomedov vs. Michal Oleksiejczuk at UFC on ABC 7
Shara Magomedov (14-0 MMA, 3-0 UFC) continued his unbeaten streak in an all-out war against Michal Oleksiejczuk (19-9 MMA, 7-7 UFC). Magomedov threw everything but the kitchen sink at Oleksiejczuk, who showcased incredible resilience by going the distance in this middleweight bout. The fight was a back-and-forth showcase of skills, with Magomedov ultimately earning a unanimous decision victory. From explosive striking to grappling exchanges, this fight had it all, making it a standout contest in the crowded August lineup.
Nominee: Dricus Du Plessis vs. Israel Adesanya at UFC 305
One of the most anticipated matchups of the month featured Dricus Du Plessis (22-2 MMA, 8-0 UFC) putting his middleweight title on the line against the legendary Israel Adesanya (24-4 MMA, 13-4 UFC). Du Plessis had been vocal about his belief that he was superior to Adesanya, and he backed up his words with a commanding performance. The fight was a rollercoaster, with both fighters landing big shots, but it was Du Plessis who got the fight to the ground in the fourth round, locking in a rear-naked choke to secure the submission victory. This win not only ended Adesanya’s quest to become a three-time champion but also solidified Du Plessis as a dominant force in the division.
Nominee: Caio Borralho vs. Jared Cannonier at UFC on ESPN 62
In a middleweight main event that delivered all the fireworks, Caio Borralho (17-1 MMA, 7-0 UFC) and Jared Cannonier (17-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) went to war for 25 minutes. Borralho, known for his striking prowess, dug deep and showcased his skills against the ever-dangerous Cannonier. The fight was a nonstop slugfest, with both fighters landing heavy shots throughout the contest. Borralho ultimately took home the unanimous decision with scores of 49-45, 49-45, and 48-46. His performance not only elevated his standing in the divisional rankings but also left fans buzzing about his future in the UFC.
Nominee: Bogdan Grad vs. Michael Aswell at Dana White's Contender Series 69
Featherweight prospects Bogdan Grad (14-2) and Michael Aswell (9-2) delivered what many are calling the greatest fight in the history of Dana White's Contender Series. This bout was nothing short of a war, with both fighters showing heart, resilience, and an unwavering will to win. Bloodied and exhausted, Grad and Aswell left everything in the cage. In the end, two of the three judges gave the nod to Grad, earning him a split decision victory and a UFC contract. Daniel Cormier himself dubbed it a classic, and it's hard to argue with that assessment given the intensity and drama that unfolded.
Winner: Dan Hooker vs. Mateusz Gamrot at UFC 305
The Fight of the Month title goes to Dan Hooker (24-12 MMA, 14-8 UFC) for his gritty victory over Mateusz Gamrot (24-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC) in a lightweight showdown at UFC 305 in Perth, Australia. This bout was a classic striker vs. grappler matchup, with both fighters playing to their strengths. Hooker, known for his striking, had to navigate Gamrot’s relentless grappling threats throughout the fight.
Key Moments:
- In Round 1, Gamrot surprised Hooker early with a sharp combination, taking the fight to his world with ground-and-pound strikes. However, Hooker managed to weather the storm, returning to his feet and landing punches that brought the crowd to life. Despite Gamrot's early success, Hooker’s resilience set the tone for the rest of the fight.
- Round 2 saw Gamrot once again taking Hooker down, implementing his smothering ground game. Hooker, refusing to be dominated, got back on his feet and continued to land significant strikes. The seesaw battle kept fans guessing as Hooker’s elbows and guillotine threats kept Gamrot on his toes.
- The final round was a nail-biter. Hooker denied an early takedown attempt, leading the striking exchanges and pushing the pace. Gamrot landed a few shots, but Hooker’s superior striking made the difference in the end. With the fight hanging in the balance, Hooker’s aggression and ability to fend off Gamrot’s takedown attempts sealed the deal, earning him a split decision victory.
Hooker’s post-fight comments, “I love this sh*t!” perfectly encapsulated the wild, gritty nature of the fight. This showdown not only highlighted Hooker’s ability to adapt and overcome but also showcased the relentless spirit that fans love to see in the Octagon.
These were just some of the standout fights from August 2024, each bringing a unique flavor of excitement to the sport. Whether it was title defenses, rising prospects, or seasoned veterans proving their mettle, the action delivered in spades. Let us know which fight was your favorite, and if you agree with MMA Junkie’s pick for Fight of the Month!
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