Which UFC fighter won Fighter of the Year 2021?
![Fighters like Kamaru Usman and Rose Namajunas were on radar during the recently concluded world MMA awards. [Credits: @francisngannou, @espnmma, @usman84kg via Instagram]](https://staticg.sportskeeda.com/editor/2021/12/201e4-16395442703005-1920.jpg?w=500)
UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman won the Male Fighter of the Year 2021 title at the recently concluded World MMA Awards.
Women's strawweight queen Rose Namajunas was awarded the Female Fighter of the Year award.
congratulations @USMAN84kg #UFC https://t.co/aq4t1s7O6A
Kamaru Usman had an incredible year in 2021, successfully defending his title three times. 'The Nigerian Nightmare' started the calendar year by knocking out Gilbert Burns in the third round at UFC 258.
World #MMAAwards results: Kamaru Usman (@USMAN84kg) wins the “Fighter of the Year” award.
Coach Trevor Wittman accepts on his behalf. Usman is spending time with his family. 🙏 https://t.co/v7ztNqic88
He then settled his beef with the 'BMF' champion Jorge Masvidal by starching 'Gamebred' in the second round in spectacular fashion at UFC 261.
Stunning knock out Usman Vs masvidal 2 UFC 261 new
The UFC has 3 African Champs:
— Israel Adesanya 🇳🇬
— Francis Ngannou 🇨🇲
— Kamaru Usman 🇳🇬
#UFC261 https://t.co/iWgkCSdTND
Most recently, Kamaru Usman defeated former interim welterweight champion Colby Covington at UFC 268. The fight was a constant back-and-forth battle where the two welterweights took each other to the limit. Usman won the fight via unanimous decision.
Rose Namajunas defeated former champion Zhang Weili twice in 2021. Namajunas shocked the world when she defeated Weili at UFC 261 after knocking the Chinese fighter down with a head kick.
In the rematch, Namajunas displayed technical superiority against Weili and successfully secured a split-decision victory at UFC 268.
Trevor Wittman, who trains three top UFC fighters, won Coach of the Year at the WMMA Awards
Trevor Wittman was voted Coach of the Year at the ceremony. Wittman, who manages Rose Namajunas, Kamaru Usman and Justin Gaethje, had possibly the best year of his coaching career as three of his elite fighters went undefeated in 2021.
World #MMAAwards results: Trevor Wittman wins “Coach of the Year.”
“It feels so good to come up here and support my athletes. I call myself a very high-level cheerleader.” https://t.co/A9kf2xaO8S
Although Justin Gaethje only had one fight in 2021 against Michael Chandler, the lightweight battle was an exciting and memorable affair for the fans. Justin Gaethje and Michael Chandler engaged in an absolute barn burner.
The lightweights came in all guns blazing and were both rocked multiple times over the course of the fight.
Coming in HOT 🔥
[ #UFC268 | The Main Card is LIVE on ESPN+ PPV: ufc.ac/3pxVxYV ] https://t.co/spE3gORf5P
Gaethje was eventually awarded a unanimous decision victory.
Trevor Wittman appreciation all damn day. https://t.co/iWiSZYzOa2
Overall, Wittman has an impressive record of 6-0 with his fighters this year.
Trevor Wittman spoke about his win at the WMMA Awards and humbly referred to himself as a "high-level cheerleader." The 47-year-old is looking forward to another year of success with his pupils and will have his hands full as Justin Gaethje looks to compete for the title against reigning lightweight champion Charles Oliveria.
Coach Trevor Wittman and his team walked away three-for-three at #UFC268 💪 https://t.co/QM7UQnEDDu