"It's time once again for our annual Year-End awards, and this year we're leading with a new category: Story of the Year. The MMA media business is often a reflection of the sport itself (as it should be), one in which anything can happen. In the cage and out of the cage, MMA rarely has a shortage of storylines. Hence introducing a "Story of the Year" category in our Year-End awards."
"The UFC's White House event became the story of 2025 because it marked the first time in history a major sports promotion announced an event to take place on the lawn at the symbolic home of democracy. It represents an unprecedented fusion of sports, politics, and global entertainment which is something no league or promotion has ever pulled off at this scale. The symbolism alone made headlines:"
"While the White House discussion has become the topic of the year, the event isn't happening in 2026. What did happen this year was constant talk about whether or not the GOAT would take on the challenge of interim champion Tom Aspinall. The jarring shift from seemingly being a done deal to then a behind the scenes renege by Jones led to some of the harshest backlash ever seen in the aftermath."
Annual Year-End awards introduced a new Story of the Year category to single out the most attention-grabbing MMA storyline. The UFC announced a historic White House event for the South Lawn, blending sports, politics, and global entertainment with an octagon on the South Lawn and powerful symbolism. Intense coverage centered on whether Jon Jones would fight interim champion Tom Aspinall, and a sudden reneging by Jones produced severe backlash. Major business developments also shaped the year, including a Paramount+ deal and controversies over UFC champions relinquishing titles. Abbey Subhan of MMA Junkie passed away.
Read at Cageside Press
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