Jon Jones, the renowned UFC fighter, has achieved a significant milestone by winning the ESPY for 2023 UFC Fighter of the Year. The ESPY Awards, held annually, celebrate the accomplishments and performances of athletes across various sports.
During the UFC 290 broadcast, it was announced that Jones had emerged as the winner in the UFC Fighter of the Year category. This recognition comes as a result of his remarkable comeback to the octagon at UFC 285 in March. After an absence of over three years, Jones made a triumphant return, demonstrating his dominance and skill by claiming the vacant heavyweight title with a commanding first-round submission victory over Ciryl Gane.
This victory marks Jones’ first ESPY award, although he had been nominated four times previously in the now-defunct Best Fighter category, which included both boxers and MMA fighters. Despite being a top contender in those nominations, he fell short against boxing legends Floyd Mayweather and Manny Pacquiao on three occasions.
The ESPY awards ceremony is scheduled to take place on July 12 in Los Angeles. In addition to winning UFC Fighter of the Year, Jones is also nominated in the category of Best Comeback Athlete, recognizing his inspiring return to the sport after a significant hiatus. Furthermore, fellow UFC fighter Leon Edwards remains in contention for the Best Championship Performance award due to his impressive fifth-round knockout of Kamaru Usman at UFC 278.