Jon Jones Hands Rival Israel Adesanya a Heartbreaking Loss As UFC HW Champ Joins NBA Star Jamal Murray With Prestigious ESPY 2023 Nominations

The list of nominees for the ESPY (Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly) Awards for the year 2023 has been released by ESPN. Undeniably, the world of sports went into a state of excitement with the names that made it to the list. 

The excitement seemingly went a thousandfold as Jon Jones got nominated for the Best UFC Fighter as well as the Best Comeback Athlete. However, the UFC world was quick to revert back and remember the time when another fan-favorite fighter, Israel Adesanya, showcased his aspirations to claim the ESPY Award. After finally getting a win over his rival Alex Pereira at UFC 287, ‘The Last Stylebender’ made his claims on three awards. However, fate didn’t deem him worthy and the slots were taken up by ‘Bones’.

Who is nominated from the UFC for ESPY 2023?

After ESPN released the list of nominees for ESPY 2023, Jones was the first name that appeared. He has been nominated for Best Comeback Athlete along with Jamal Murray, Alyssa Thomas, and Justin Verlander. The former UFC light heavyweight champion made his return to the UFC as a heavyweight after successfully defending his LHW title against Dominick Reyes back in 2020. He further stupefied the entire world with a victory over Ciryl Gane and claimed the champion’s throne. 

‘Bones’ has also been nominated for the Best UFC Fighter. Undoubtedly, the heavyweight champion’s prowess has been raised high, and for good reasons. The netizens have commended the fighter’s powerful strikes and strong grappling skills quite a few times. 

Read More: “It Was Such an Awful…”: Despite Jon Jones’ Stunner at UFC 285, Heavyweight Champ’s Ex-Opponent Drops Scathing Criticism on ‘Bones’ Performance

Apart from Jones, Leon Edwards, Amanda Nunes, and Islam Makhachev were also nominated for the ESPY Best UFC Fighter Award. Even though the winner is yet to be announced, the fans have risen with excitement throughout the globe.

Israel Adesanya wanted the ESPY 2023

After reclaiming his throne and becoming the UFC middleweight champion once again, Adesanya took to Twitter and shared a chat. Therein, the Nigerian star voiced his desire to be nominated for “Comeback of the year. Ko of the year. Fighter of the year.” Sadly, it wasn’t Adesanya’s turn to get the award.

Although Adesanya’s comeback against Pereira was indeed commendable, it arguably didn’t stand as tall as that of Jones’. 

Watch this story: Despite his controversial past, UFC HW champ Jon Jones poses with fans having his mugshot on his t-shirt

What are your thoughts about the nominations for ESPY Awards 2023? Let us know in the comments down below.