Voting is now open for the 12th annual World MMA Awards. Head here to vote for your favourite fighters and MMA personalities.

Fighters Only has extended the nomination period from 12 months to 18 months (1st January 2019 – 30th June 2020) to best account for all global MMA action and performances.

The star-studded, black-tie 2020 World MMA Awards event will be held in October 2020 on a date and location to be announced.

In the lead-up to the big show, we are profiling each of the 12th annual World MMA Awards nominations.

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Demian Maia’s submission victory over Ben Askren is nominated for the Submission of the Year in the 12th annual World MMA Awards.

On 26 October, 2019 Demian Maia won the “Battle of the Grapplers” against Ben Askren in emphatic style in Singapore.

Multiple-time Brazilian Jiu Jitsu world champion Maia choked out two-time NCAA Division 1 wrestling champion and US Olympian Askren in the third round of their enthralling contest.

Interestingly, most of their fight took place on the feet as both competitors appeared more confident in having the striking advantage over their respective counterparts.

The fight’s end came when Askren expertly took Maia down with a single-leg takedown. Maia reversed position with a high-level sweep off a leg lock.

From there, Maia took full mount and slickly took Askren’s back to sink in a rear-naked choke.

Askren bravely tried to escape the submission attempt before a single, laboured tap signalled the end of this intriguing match-up.

 

Is Demian Maia’s submission win over Ben Askren your Submission of the Year?

Voting is now open for the 12th annual World MMA Awards.

Head here to vote for your favourite fighters and MMA personalities.