The world has been divided into two factions as the debate for ‘Fighter of the Year’ 2024 featured Alex Pereira and Ilia Topuria. Topuria was fresh off a victory against Max Holloway, while Pereira defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. in his last fight. And the cherry on top is that both champions defeated their opponents via KO. But who is more worthy of getting the Fighter of the Year award? 

This was a question that has put even the UFC head honcho, Dana White, in a great dilemma. When a reporter put forth this question and asked the UFC CEO who he would choose between ‘Poatan’ and ‘El Matador’, he said, “I don’t know. That’s a tough one. I’d have to look at more numbers and stats, but you know, you can’t take it away from either one of them. They’ve done their share.” 

But the man with the hands of stone was the one who got a special place in White’s heart. He continued, “I mean Alex, when you look at Alex, he’s on vacation, in Australia. We call him, and packs up, and heads home, and comes into the fight. I mean, he’s just, he’s built different, that guy! It’s like he doesn’t even care about a full camp. He doesn’t care if he’s hurt. He didn’t care about anything. He’ll get in there and fight.” 

 Ilia Topuria rose victorious over two of the greatest fighters of all time. At UFC 298, he defeated Alexander Volkanovski, a former pound-for-pound number 1, with a KO in the second round. But ending an era by knocking Holloway out was something that no one could have ever done. As per Jon Anik, Topuria did something that was equivalent to Pereira knocking out Jon Jones. Even Chael Sonnen and Volkanovski himself claim that the award should go to ‘El Matador’.

On the other hand, Alex Pereira has saved the face of UFC on multiple occasions. But defeating fighters like Israel Adesanya, Jiri Prochazka, Jan Blachowicz, and others, was what made him even greater. Knocking his opponents out with ease has proven that the LHW champ is worthy of being called the ‘Poatan’, or the man with the hands of stone. But does that make him worthy of the ‘Fighter of the Year’ award? Let’s see what the fans have to say.

MMA world splits in two as Ilia Topuria and Alex Pereira compete for the ‘Fighter of the Year’ award

As soon as Dana White’s words found their way to Instagram, the fight fans took over the comments section and revealed their thoughts. Needless to say, many aligned their thoughts with the UFC boss and rooted for Pereira. Coming victorious in 3 title defenses in the last 6 months was what impressed the fans to the greatest extent. One fan wrote, “Alex has had 3 title fights in 6 months, scariest guy alive right now.” Meanwhile, another fan commented, “Definitely has to be Alex knocked out 3 dudes in 175 days all title fights.”

Earlier at UFC 295, ‘Poatan’ took up the fight against Jiri Prochazka for the vacant LHW title. After Conor McGregor pulled out of his fight at UFC 303, it was Pereira who swooped in to save the event on short notice. Not only did he come on short notice but also secured a win over Prochazka, with a KO. One of the fans pointed this out and wrote, “Alex literally SAVED cards. If it weren’t for him no one would watch the Utah card and numbers wouldn’t be that great on 303.” Another comment highlighted that Pereira had his foot injured while fighting Prochazka the second time. The comment read, “Alex saved the day twice, while injured, and ko’d 3 dudes.”

However, some of the fight fans stood in support of Topuria, as well. After all, he had defeated two of the most celebrated featherweights in the UFC. One fan commented, “None of the guys Alex beat is anywhere near hall of fame status ,Illia just Slept two 100% sure future all of Fame members , doesn’t even come close.” 

But that doesn’t mean the fight fans forgot how White lifted Jon Jones up high. The UFC CEO often claimed that the heavyweight champion was the P4P #1. He defended his champion on multiple occasions. And the fans knew it way too well. One fan wrote, “If Dana could have it his way he’ll say Jon Jones.” Another fan quoted, “cmon is this a debate? obviously our glouriois pfp #1 undefeated undisputed king jonny bones jones. absolutely a shame not including him in this conversation.”

Both Pereira and Topuria have achieved honorable victories in the UFC. But choosing one out of them for the ‘Fighter of the Year’ award was indeed a tough job. Who do you think is more deserving of the award? Let us know if you agree with White’s decision in the comments down below.