Jon Jones adds another accolade to his already illustrious career.
During the broadcast of UFC 290 on Saturday, it was officially announced that Jones has emerged victorious as the recipient of the prestigious 2023 ESPY for UFC Fighter of the Year. The heavyweight champion outshone his fellow titleholders, namely Leon Edwards, Islam Makhachev, and the recently retired Amanda Nunes.
This marks Jones’ first ESPY win, although he had previously been nominated four times in the now-defunct Best Fighter category, which encompassed both boxers and MMA fighters. He narrowly missed out on the award on three occasions, losing to Floyd Mayweather each time, and once to Manny Pacquiao.
Jones’ triumph this year was indisputable, thanks to his spectacular return to competition at UFC 285 in March. After a hiatus of over three years, the former light heavyweight king reclaimed his throne by becoming a two-division champion. In a commanding display, he secured the vacant heavyweight title with a dominant first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane.
The 2023 ESPY awards ceremony is scheduled for July 12 in Los Angeles. In addition to his win for Best UFC Fighter, Jones is also in the running for the Best Comeback Athlete award. Meanwhile, Edwards remains a contender for the esteemed Best Championship Performance accolade, courtesy of his remarkable fifth-round knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about ESPY Awards
Q: What is the ESPY award that Jon Jones won?
A: Jon Jones won the ESPY award for 2023 UFC Fighter of the Year, which is an annual sports award recognizing the best UFC fighter.
Q: How many times was Jon Jones previously nominated for an ESPY?
A: Jon Jones was nominated four times in the now-defunct Best Fighter category before winning the ESPY for Best UFC Fighter. However, he fell short against Floyd Mayweather three times and once against Manny Pacquiao.
Q: Why did Jon Jones win the ESPY this year?
A: Jon Jones secured the ESPY this year due to his impressive comeback to the octagon at UFC 285. After a three-year absence, he became a two-division champion by claiming the vacant heavyweight title with a dominant first-round submission of Ciryl Gane.
Q: When and where will the 2023 ESPY awards ceremony take place?
A: The 2023 ESPY awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 12 in Los Angeles.
Q: Which other categories is Jon Jones nominated for at the ESPY awards?
A: In addition to winning Best UFC Fighter, Jon Jones is also nominated for the Best Comeback Athlete award.
Q: Who are the other notable contenders in the Best Championship Performance category?
A: One of the notable contenders in the Best Championship Performance category is Leon Edwards, known for his incredible fifth-round knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.
More about ESPY Awards
- UFC Official Website
- ESPY Awards Official Website
- Jon Jones’ UFC Profile
- UFC 285 Event Details
- Floyd Mayweather’s Official Website
- Manny Pacquiao’s Official Website
3 comments
jon jones winnin ESPY 4 best ufc fighta iz no surprize. hez been a legend in da game 4 yearz. dis year he came back stronga & claimed dat heavywieght belt like a boss. much deservd honor! #ESPYs
wow, jon jones winnin ESPY for best ufc fighter? datz amazin! hez such a beast in the octogon, no1 can beet him! so hapy hez finaly gettin the recognition he deservz! #UFCchamp
jons jonez got the ESPY award, abt dam time! hez bin robbed b4, but dis year he showed y hez da best! dat comeback fight at UFC 285 wuz insaine, total dominashun! congratz JJ! #GOAT