Justin Gaethje’s incredible two wins in 2026 were not enough to net him an ESPY Award.
‘The Highlight’ has enjoyed the best year of his UFC career so far, as he finally realized his dream of becoming undisputed lightweight champion.
After beating Paddy Pimblett to become a two-time interim titleholder, the division’s unification fight saw Gaethje finish Ilia Topuria at the White House in one of the most memorable upsets of all time.
That earned the American fan favorite the role of sole MMA representative on the list of ‘Best Fighter’ nominees at the 2026 ESPY Awards, but it was not enough to win Gaethje the prize.
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Change my mind: Terence Crawford is the best fighter of his era
Is anyone better than ‘Bud’? Let us know your thoughts in 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 New York City, covering the period between July 1, 2025, and June 30, 2026.
For the first time since 2018, MMA fighters and boxers were grouped together in a single category, meaning Gaethje had to go up against Terence Crawford, Claressa Shields, and Gabriela Fundora.
‘Bud’ ultimately emerged as the victor, nine months after his final fight before retiring. Crawford defeated Canelo Alvarez last September to become the first male boxer in 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 claim 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 both fights he was an underdog and the last fight he was a 7 to 1 underdog,” he added.
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Some fans were quick to push back on Abdelaziz’s bemusement at the result, insisting that Crawford deserved the award.
“I love Justin but Crawford went up weight classes and won.”
“Being a bigger underdog doesn’t make it more impressive. Bud beating Canelo up 2 weight classes is more historic.”
“Atrocious take.”
“Crawford is likely the GOAT of his sport/weight class. (Gaethje) won a fluke and will get killed in the rematch.”
“Crawford dominated Canelo.”
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