Justin Gaethje’s incredible two wins in 2026 weren’t enough to net him an ESPY Award.
‘The Highlight’ has enjoyed the most effective 12 months of his UFC profession to this point, as he finally realized his dream of becoming undisputed lightweight champion.
After beating Paddy Pimblett to turn into a two-time interim titleholder, the division’s unification fight saw Gaethje finish Ilia Topuria on the White House in one of the crucial memorable upsets of all time.
That earned the American fan favorite the role of sole MMA representative on the list of ‘Best Fighter’ nominees on the 2026 ESPY Awards, nevertheless it was not enough to win Gaethje the prize.
Change my mind: Terence Crawford is the most effective fighter of his era
Is anyone higher than ‘Bud’? Tell us your thoughts within the comments below.
Ali Abdelaziz reacts as Terence Crawford takes ‘Best Fighter’ ESPY over Justin Gaethje
The ESPY Awards ceremony took place on Wednesday night in Recent York City, covering the period between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
For the primary time since 2018, MMA fighters and boxers were grouped together in a single category, meaning Gaethje needed to go up against Terence Crawford, Claressa Shields, and Gabriela Fundora.
‘Bud’ ultimately emerged because the victor, nine months after his final fight before retiring. Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez last September to turn into the primary male boxer within the four-belt era to win the undisputed championship in three weight divisions.
Despite that achievement, MMA manager Ali Abdelaziz was baffled to see the boxing legend outvote Gaethje to assert the ESPY.
“It’s crazy how Crawford wins ESPYs (award) over Justin Gaethje,” Abdelaziz wrote on X, before describing the result as “mind blowing.”
“Justin won two fights in 6 months where in each fights he was an underdog and the last fight he was a 7 to 1 underdog,” he added.
Some fans were quick to keep off on Abdelaziz’s bemusement on the result, insisting that Crawford deserved the award.
“I like Justin but Crawford went up weight classes and won.”
“Being a much bigger underdog doesn’t make it more impressive. Bud beating Canelo up 2 weight classes is more historic.”
“Atrocious take.”
“Crawford is probably going the GOAT of his sport/weight class. (Gaethje) won a fluke and can get killed within the rematch.”
“Crawford dominated Canelo.”
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