UFC 330 sweeps MMA midyear awards behind Gaethje win

Justin Gaethje's lightweight title victory at UFC 330 has already claimed three of six midyear MMA awards, according to ESPN's midyear voting panel.

The May card in Las Vegas swept fight, knockout, and event of the year categories through June, beating out UFC France and multiple rival promotion offerings. Gaethje stopped the reigning champion in the fourth round after weathering early pressure and landing a counter right hand that ended the contest.

How UFC 330 stacked up against UFC France

UFC France, which took place in Paris in March, was considered the other frontrunner for event honors but fell short in the final tally. That card featured two title fights and a controversial decision in the co-main event that drew immediate calls for a rematch.

Submission of the year went to a grappling specialist competing on a February card in Asia, while fighter of the year remains contested between three names who have logged two wins apiece in the first half of 2026. Comeback of the year honors were awarded to a heavyweight who returned from a two-year layoff to win by first-round stoppage.

The full awards will be revisited in December when the year-end voting takes place.

Reported via:

• ESPN MMA — MMA 2026 midyear awards: Which event bested UFC Fr...