Year

2020

Result

Winner

Category

Sport Photography

Publications

The Daily Telegraph and The Sunday Telegraph,

Sam Ruttyn

“UFC 243”

UFC 243: Whittaker vs. Adesanya, took place in Melbourne on October 6, 2019, and drew a crowd of more than 57,000, setting a new world record for the sport. Sam Ruttyn’s action-packed body of work captures the elation of victory as well as the dejection after defeat. The mouthguard shot is a standout image.

Sam Ruttyn started his career as a photojournalist in 2000 and has worked for News Corp Australia since 2001 covering news, features and sports across all Sydney mastheads. He currently works as a senior photographer at The Sunday Telegraph. Ruttyn has won numerous regional and international photographic awards including Walkley Awards in 2012 and 2017, the Amnesty International Photographic Award, Istanbul Photo Prize and the Sony International Photography Awards.

Judges’ comments

“From the splattering blood to the displays of strength, Sam Ruttyn portrayed the drama, emotion and brutality of the UFC, producing an exceptionally detailed collection of images that speak to his knowledge of the sport.”

A mouthguard goes flying during a brutal exchange between fighters Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey.

UFC 243 #1

A mouthguard goes flying during a brutal exchange between fighters Brad Riddell and Jamie Mullarkey.

Australian fighter Jamie Mullarkey catches his breath at the end of his fight with Brad Riddell.

UFC 243 #2

Australian fighter Jamie Mullarkey catches his breath at the end of his fight with Brad Riddell.

Australian fighter Megan Anderson celebrates after choking out her opponent. UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Australian fighter Megan Anderson submits Zarah Fairn in the 1st round. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

UFC 243 #3

Australian fighter Megan Anderson celebrates after choking out her opponent. UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Australian fighter Megan Anderson submits Zarah Fairn in the 1st round. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Australian fighter Tai Tuivasa recovers after being defeated in the second round.

UFC 243 #4

Australian fighter Tai Tuivasa recovers after being defeated in the second round.

Australian fighter Robert Whittaker (right) narrowly misses being kicked in the head by New Zealander Israel Adesanya. UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Action from Rob Whittaker vs Israel Adesenya for the UFC Middleweight World Title. Israel KO's ROb in the second round to wiun the title. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

UFC 243 #5

Australian fighter Robert Whittaker (right) narrowly misses being kicked in the head by New Zealander Israel Adesanya. UFC 243 at Marvel Stadium in Melbourne, Australia. Action from Rob Whittaker vs Israel Adesenya for the UFC Middleweight World Title. Israel KO's ROb in the second round to wiun the title. Picture: Sam Ruttyn

Nikon is a proud supporter of the Walkley Award for Sport Photography and congratulates this year’s winner.

Nikon logo