1st Annual Super North Star MMA Awards

It's fast closing in on the end of the year and, being as everyone always loves presents, I figured it was time for a quick awards ceremony.

It's nice to be able to take the time to recollect on a crazy year and put down my findings.

2010 has been a mad year for me and I thought that I'd show my appreciation to those who've helped me out this year with the first annual Super North Star MMA Awards.

The difference being that these awards translate specifically to shows I've worked with this year and fights and finishes that I've seen.

You good people all know that Silva beating Sonnen was, probably, the fight of the year but this blog was set up so I could record things that are personal to me and this year there has been no shortage of such events.

Super North Star MMA Award for Best Fight of 2010

Winner: Brad Wheeler vs. Djo Lema at UCMMA Kings of the Cage

I don't think I've ever seen a bigger display of heart in my entire life than this. Djo Lema hit young Brad Wheeler with everything but the kitchen sink and dominated the fight from the opening bell.

Wheeler soaked up knees, punches, kicks and submission attempts but, in the second round, came out with a renewed vigor. He was able to capitalise on the energy his foe had spent in the first round and pulled out an unbelievable triangle choke for the submission win.

I've never been so gripped by a fight that I literally felt like I couldn't blink for fear of missing something.

Super North Star MMA Award for Best Knock Out of 2010

Winner: Gary Smallwood vs. Chris Kelly at Night of the Gladiators 4

I've seen some insane finishes to fights this year but few more jaw dropping than when Gary Smallwood caught Chris Kelly with a reaping hook after just eight seconds of the first round. Kelly was out before he hit the floor and Marc Goddard halted the fight with typical efficiency.

Myself and David "Trading" Lethaby were commentating that night and it's clear from watching it back that both of us lost control.

I also look back at this fight with some fondness as it's the first time I pulled out anything like a Schiavello line as I screamed: "Get that man an alarm clock, he is out COLD!"

Super North Star MMA Award for Best Submission of 2010

Winner: Ross Houston vs. Alister Hawke at Cage Control 2

It's not very often you see someone hit an Anaconda choke in all honesty. Cage Control delivered three shows in 2010 and Pure MMA's Ross Houston shocked all the home fans with a vice like Anaconda choke that had his foe asleep in a matter of seconds. Easily one of the slickest submissions I've seen in a very long time.

Super North Star MMA Award for Craziest Moment of 2010

Winner: Cory Tait vs. Dino Gambatesa at UCMMA Unbelievable

If you look this up online anywhere you'll see the same thing. A page full of posts about people saying they've never ever seen anything like it before.

Corey Tait knocked out Dino Gambatesa with a front crescent kick and I, looking back at it, was pretty much shell shocked. One of the most innovative knockouts I've ever seen.

Super North Star MMA Award for Scariest Fighter of 2010

Winner: Mark Potter

A fighter's eyes change when he enters the cage. You can see it every time from cage side. There's a switch that gets hit and you can literally see the fighter come to the surface of the person.

The only person who I don't see any change in at all is Mark Potter.

The ironic thing is that, when I interviewed him, he was one of the most engaging and respectful fighters I've ever spoken to. As soon as his name is called and they start playing the theme to Jaws there's simply nothing behind his eyes.

Mark Potter will do big things in 2011 and, if you get chance to watch him fight, I wouldn't turn up late whatever you do.

Conclusions

I'd just like to say thanks very much to everyone who, over the year, has taken the time to help me in any way. I really appreciate every bit of help and I only hope that in 2011 this list takes me days to write.

Thanks if you've booked me for shows, been interviewed by me or published any of my work anywhere for people to read. A million thanks also to Alison for putting up with me writing for hours on end and making me countless cups of tea. You people make this crazy dream seem more and more real every single day.

Big Thanks to:

Aaron Rubin
Rob Nutley
Dave O'Donnell
Ross Pointon
Ian Freeman
Jay Benjamin
Harry Shoebridge
Andy Sledge
Dan Hardy
Brad Pickett
Nick Osipczak
Tim Boetsch
Chris UG
Doug Wildman
Andy Molyneux
All at Shoot 'N' Sprawl
Del Hit Pit
Aaron Chatfield
George Warriors of MMA
Zara Halo & Team
Mark Millward
David Lethaby
Ricky Wright

And every single one of you good people who've taken the time from your days to read this blog here on Super North Star MMA.

Take Care and, if I don't speak before, have an amazing Christmas and a great new year.