Ilia Topuria or Alex Pereira, who is the MMA Fighter of the Year? Fans and UFC pundits alike are divided on who to choose when it comes to the light heavyweight and featherweight kings. Since many MMA outlets published their own lists and winner predictions, some picked Topuria while others gave ‘Poatan’ the prize. The race is close, nonetheless, and both are tied for first place in this list.

However, Bo Nickal has chosen his favorite, and it is not Alex Pereira. During the latest podcast on his channel, he declared his choice and justified why he chose ‘El Matador’. He said, “I don’t know I think it’s, Ilia was more impressive. I would take beating two championship all-time greats over 4 average guys. Three average guys he beat, not average but like in the grand scheme of things. I would take Ilia.”

His fellow host Anthony Ceasar chimed in: “Alex definitely has the biggest increase in fandom sure.” Nickal also added that Pereira was amazing as always, but he did not get opponents of the best caliber. While some MMA award winners are easy to choose, the Fighter of the Year is going to be a hard one. While Pereira had one more win than Topuria this year, is that enough for him to earn the throne? However, UFC former champ and current commentator Daniel Cormier does not doubt that this year’s award should go to Topuria, just like Bo Nickal has said.

Daniel Cormier declares Ilia Topuria the winner

DC has the same choice as the undefeated 7-fight middleweight winner. “He’s [Topuria’s] beating these greats when they are still in their prime and still fighting at the highest level… I don’t know if one of Pereira’s wins or three of Pereira’s wins outweigh in terms of importance the two that Ilia Topuria had,” Cormier articulated on his ‘Good Guy/ Bad Guy’ show on ESPN MMA.

This does make sense in the fact that Topuria came in like a wrecking ball through two of the greatest featherweights: Alexander Volkanovski and Max Holloway within a year. However, let’s not forget the Brazilian juggernaut defended his title three times in 2024, and both of them came against former champs. But there is ‘more—’Poatan’ also gave dangerous KOs to his three opponents.

He also defeated Khalil Rountree Jr. in a blockbuster fight at UFC 307. So on paper, both Topuria and Pereira had an amazing resume to show this year. But the nuances point to Topuria being the top candidate for the Fighter of the Year. According to DC, Topuria took the cake when it came to quality opponents. The undefeated 16-fight winner defeated Alexander Volkanovski and gave Max Holloway the first KO loss of his career.

On that note, what do you think about Bo Nickal and DC’s decision—do you agree with this prediction? Share your thoughts in the comments below.