Miesha Tate & Jessica Aguilar Among Winners at the WMMA Awards

Miesha Tate (left) & Jessica Aguilar (right) Honored at The WMMA Awards

The 2010 Women's MMA awards were announced Sunday evening on Sportsgeeks to honor the best in the sport. The awards were decided by the WMMA Press Association, an international collation of writers who cover women’s mma throughout the year.

The Fighter of the Year honors went to Strikeforce’s Miesha Tate, who’s victory at the 135 pound grand prix this summer gain her a title shot with champion Marloes Coenen this coming March. Tate went 4-0 on the year, and also won the Batemweight/135 pound Fighter of the Year.

The fans voted and Bellator’s Jessica Aguilar won the Fan Favorite Fighter of the Year. Aguilar rose to popularity this year with her participation in the Bellator 115 pound tournament.

Amateur fighter of the year went to Taylor Stratford, who at only 19 years of age, went 5-0 for the years, with an undeafested 7-0 record overall.

Roxanne Modafferi facing Tara LaRosa at Moosin courtesy Fightnerd

Fight of the Year went to the rematch between Roxanne Modafferi and Tara LaRosa at Moosin in May. Modafferi would take a close split decision.

“I'm very honored that my rematch with Tara Larosa in Moosin was chosen as the best fight of 2010,” Modafferi stated in her written acceptance speech. “It was certainly one of the best fights in my career. The fight went everywhere- from the feet, to against the cage, to the ground, from submission attempt with ground and pound mixed in, to near knock-outs, to mad scrambles. It showcased our skills, our hearts, our development as fighters, and our friendship. I can't wait to do it again sometime.”

Zoila Frausto takes out Rosi Sexton at Bellator

Zoila Frausto took home three awards, including Upset of the Year (defeating Rosi Sexton at a June Bellator card); Headline of the Year (Frausto becomes the first women to defeat Megumi Fujii and wins the Bellator 115 pound tournament); and shares Flyweight of the Year honors with Japan's Ayaka Hamasaki.

JEWELS Ayaka Hamasaki

"It's is a great honor to receive this prize," Hamasaki expressed in her written acceptance speech. " I'm thrilled that I won the first light weight Jewels tournament this year.  At the AACC (Abe Ani's Combat Club) where I train, I'm able to get excellent training with many strong fighters, especially head instructor Mr. (Hiroyuki) Abe and Megumi Fujii, who fights in the same weight class as I.

"Up till now, I've always aimed to finish fights.  Also from here on out, I'm going to fight aggressively so fans say that my fights are fun to watch.
I don't really know much about fighters over seas, but I hear there are many strong ones out there.  This year I'd like to try and test my own strength against some of these fighters!  I'm going to train harder and get stronger. Thanks so much for your support!"

Sarah Kaunfman Celebrates after Defeating Roxanne Modafferi

Former Strikeforce champion Sarah Kaufman wins the Knockout of the Year, with her spetacular slam of Roxanne Modafferi; a clip that made ESPN's Top Plays of the Week.

Submission of the Year went to Michelle Waterson, whose executed a flying armbar on Ro Califano in New Town, ND this past February.

Liz Carmouche def. Jan Finney

Marine Vet Liz Carmouche went on a rampage in 2010, going 5-0 in her rookie year to become the New Comer of the Year winner. Carmouche is currently in Strikeforce and had an impressive win of Jan Finney.

Fighter Mia Hayes

Two honorary awards were given out on Sunday as Mia Hayes win the Inspirational Fighter of the Year, and Sam Wilson earned the "Legacy" Award.

Hayes has battled against breast cancer, while raising seven kids in her household, several who are adopted by her. Even with all of her struggles, she came into the Tuff-n-uff ring this past year and fought like a true warrior. 

Wilson has helped book matches for many fighters, pro and amateur, thoughout the year, as well as organize four different tournaments. She is there to help out when fighters need any kind of support in and out of the ring. Her resourcefulness and dedication to the sport has helped grow the sport for future world champions.

Cyborg Santos (left) & Carla Esparza (right) take divsional awards

Cyborg Santos takes home the Featherweight fighter of the year, defending her title twice this year in solid fashion.

Rising star Carla Esparza takes home the Super Flyweight of the Year award, going 4-0 in the 125 pound division.

Valkyrie Fighter Naho Sugiyakma 

Japan's Naho Sugiyama takes home the Strawweight Fighter of the Year.

After having four tournaments this year for women's MMA, Tuff-n-uff earned Promotion of the Year. The amateur MMA promotion has produced several stars this year, and has been the place for upcoming fighters to get experience before they hit the pro ranks.

Tussel Fight Gear won the Sponsor of the Year, supporting many fighters throughout 2010.

Congratulations to all the winners this year, and look forward to seeing you in 2011.

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There are 5 comments on this post. Join the discussion!

citrusbar says:

Sugiyama's picture is wrong. It is a Yuka%u301DButterfly knife%u301FKaneko's picture.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 10:45pm EST

MarQFPR says:

fit it - thanks Citrus

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:00pm EST

citrusbar says:

Oh. This picture is Yasuko Tamada.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:10pm EST

citrusbar says:

Sugirock Sugiyama
http://www.kakutoh.com/pc/blog/mogiyasuko/2010/11/1128.php

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:19pm EST

MarQFPR says:

Thanks for the link - when I tried to find a pic on Google that was the two it gave me.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011 at 11:30pm EST