2024 has been an unforgettable year for fight fans, packed with some of the most electrifying and action-filled bouts in UFC history. From the landmark UFC 300 to UFC Noche and the highly anticipated events in Abu Dhabi and New York City, the Octagon has been the stage for some of the most memorable fights ever witnessed.

The year also saw new champions emerging to seize the spotlight, while seasoned legends defended their titles with commanding displays of skill. Dustin Poirier, a mainstay of the 155lbs division, has also been a key part of 2024’s excitement, featuring in two highly competitive bouts. In a recent interview, ‘The Diamond’ reflected on the year and revealed which performance stood out to him the most. Let’s see what the Louisiana native had to say!

Dustin Poirier weighs in on the best KO of 2024

The featherweight division experienced a seismic shift in 2024, with Ilia Topuria claiming the gold and establishing himself as the top dog at 145lbs. Despite Alexander Volkanovski entering the year as the champion, following two losses to Islam Makhachev at lightweight, his reign came to an end in February. Topuria delivered a stunning second-round knockout to dethrone ‘The Great’, marking the beginning of a new era in the division.

For his first title defense, Topuria faced former champion Max Holloway in October 2024. In a thrilling showdown, ‘El Matador’ solidified his reign with a remarkable third-round knockout, handing ‘Blessed’ the first knockout loss of his UFC career—a feat previously thought nearly impossible. This jaw-dropping moment was exactly what Dustin Poirier selected as the best knockout of the year.

During his appearance on the Good Guy/Bad Guy podcast alongside Daniel Cormier and Chael Sonnen, Poirier reflected on 2024’s standout fights. The former interim lightweight king shared, “For me, personally, it’s gotta be Topuria knocking out Max. He [Max] is a legend, a multiple-time world champion, one of the best guys to ever do it. And Topuria was the first man to put him on his a** and knock him out, you know. That was super impressive for me.”

Interestingly, Poirier himself had an incredible year, including a famous knockout victory over Benoit Saint-Denis at UFC 299. Despite his own success, he chose Topuria’s knockout as the standout moment of 2024. The UFC never slowed down, keeping fans on the edge of their seats all year long. Several of these championship performances are bound to be remembered in MMA history due to their sheer drama and excitement. As we wrap up the year, we take a look at what the UFC CEO Dana White had to pick as the best moment for the year.

Dana White picks the biggest moment for him after another successful year for the UFC

The MMA juggernaut had one of their most successful years in history with four of the ten best-selling PPVs coming in the past 12 months. From delivering unforgettable moments from the historic UFC 300 anniversary super-card in April to Jon Jones’ much-anticipated return at Madison Square Garden in November, the year was a game changer. However, UFC CEO Dana White’s favorite moment wasn’t tied to a blockbuster fight or a record-breaking title defense. Instead, it revolved around a groundbreaking achievement that redefined live combat sports events.

In an interview with ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith, White was asked, “The best moment in the UFC this year, in your estimation?” Without hesitation, White declared, “Without a doubt, it had to be The Sphere. Pulling off [UFC 306 at] The Sphere, I thought that when we did The Sphere, people would be flocking to this, to The Sphere to try to do it. I don’t think anybody’s ever going to do it. I don’t think anybody’s ever going to replicate what we did there that night.”

The Sphere, an awe-inspiring venue located in Las Vegas, is one of the most advanced arenas in the world. Its signature 80-foot-tall wraparound LED screens create an unparalleled visual experience, making UFC 306 a truly groundbreaking event. From start to finish, the production set a new standard for live entertainment. Moreover, the event also had the highest event gates in UFC history with nearly $22 million.

With such an iconic venue and jaw-dropping execution, it’s easy to see why White considers UFC 306 at The Sphere his standout moment of the year. But what about you? Do you agree with Dustin and Dana with their respective picks? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below!