UFC Charlotte awards, including career of violence honors to Matt Brown

In the aftermath of UFC Charlotte on Saturday night, we hand out a round of post-event awards to four preliminary card fighters who stood out for various reasons.

Related: UFC Charlotte Results – Almeida continues surge with early sub of Rozenstruik

Career Achievement Award for Violence: Matt Brown

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Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Whenever you see the name Matt Brown on the card, you can rest assured something incredibly savage is about to happen. It’s been over a year since “The Immortal” was last seen stepping into the cage. What he did against fellow hardened vet Court McGee at UFC Charlotte was well worth the wait.

In one of the cleanest displays of counter-punching you could ask for, Matt Brown evaded a pair of incoming fists and landed his own to sit McGee on his back. The 42-year-old not only defied the oddsmakers who had him as an underdog, but he also managed to keep father time at bay for the time being as well. 

Also Read: UFC welterweight rankings – Belal Muhammad secures title fight after UFC 288 win

Considering the statistical significance of his win, it seems appropriate to give Matt Brown a Lifetime Achievement Award. His 15 finishes are the most in UFC welterweight history. The 13 knockouts also tie Derrick Lewis for the overall company record. This puts a stamp on what is likely to be a Hall of Fame career.

Christmas Early Award – Douglas Silva de Andrade

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Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

This is not disputing the validity of Douglas Silva de Andrade’s unanimous decision win over Cody Stamann. The Brazilian spent most of the first two rounds out striking and frustrating Stamann as he repeatedly tried to force his wrestling game into the equation. 

Douglas Silva de Andrade didn’t exactly avoid wrestling completely on his own merit. Let’s thank referee Wayne Spinola for leaving his cozy home in the North Pole and ditching the red velvet in favor of all-black. 

Rightfully stopping the action after “D’Silva” landed an illegal up kick after Stamann finally secured a takedown, Spinola decided the Brazilian was on his nice list. In what will likely remain one of the worst officiating calls of 2023, Spinola elected to restart the fight on the feet, completely negating his opponent’s efforts.”

So not only did Stamann take an illegal kick to the head, but he also had to start from square one with his initial strategy. After stealing the momentum in the final round but coming short of the finish, it’s reasonable to think that Spinola’s questionable logic will be a source of frustration as “The Spartan” reflects upon the fight. A proper reset may have helped him employ his game plan earlier. A point deduction would have saved him from a loss.

Making His Hometown Proud Award: Bryan Battle

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Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

If you didn’t know any better, Bryan Battle was a reigning champion and pay-per-view superstar. It was far from the underwhelming reception you’d expect from the second prelim bout on a fight night card. That’s because the crowd in Charlotte’s Spectrum Center had nothing but love for the hometown welterweight.

After receiving a hero’s welcome upon his entrance to the Octagon, Bryan Battle didn’t disappoint the city and knocked Gabe Green out cold just 14 seconds into the fight. That brief sequence provided everything the fans in Charlotte wanted. They got the sort of wild exchange that will make the most civilized of fans paint Just Bleed on their chest and their man won.

The Fumbling the Bag Award: Ji Yeon Kim

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Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

If this column is likened to the Oscars, consider the flyweight contest between Mandy Bohm and Ji Yeon Kim UFC Charlotte’s “Everything Everywhere All at Once.” Much like that tear-jerking drama that seems custom-made to at least get a few nominations, this fight was begging for Ringside Intel Award recognition. 

Between referee Larry Carter’s scene-stealing performance, Bohm’s apparent temporary blindness, and the delayed math of The North Carolina Boxing and Combat Sports Commission, this could have earned every trophy we can give out. 

However, the insistence on giving away what looked like a certain win is enough to secure Ji Yeon Kim’s place here. “Fire Fists” began the fight living up to her nickname stunning Bohm in the opening moments. Seconds later she was defending a rear naked choke. 

Even with the strategic missteps, Bohm’s squandered opportunities allowed Kim to still control the fight. But the difference maker here was Kim’s sustained dismissal of the unified rules. 

We don’t see point deductions often enough in the sport and Carter closed the difference by handing her two penalties for a kick after the second round ended and an illegal knee. That was a hill too steep to climb and cost her the win.

Ant Walker is a native of the Washington DC area that now lives in Los Angeles. He has been... More about Anthony Walker

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