Justin Gaethje's Manager Slams ESPYs Over Best Fighter Award Snub

Justin Gaethje's remarkable 2026 campaign culminated in a historic victory over Ilia Topuria at UFC Freedom 250, securing the lightweight title. However, the ESPYs' decision to award Terence Crawford the Best Fighter award has left Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, fuming.

What happened?

The ESPYs, held this week, recognized Crawford's achievements in 2025, despite Gaethje's impressive run in 2026. Crawford's most recent outing took place in September 2025, when he defeated Canelo Alvarez. In contrast, Gaethje defied the odds throughout the year, earning a lightweight title shot with a dominant decision win over Paddy Pimblett at UFC 324 in January.

Why it matters for Justin Gaethje

Gaethje's impressive campaign, which included a 7-to-1 underdog victory over Ilia Topuria, has been overlooked by the ESPYs. Abdelaziz took to X to express his disappointment, stating: "It's crazy how Crawford wins ESPY's over Justin Gaethje is mind blowing. Justin won two fights in six months, where in both fights he was an underdog, and the last fight he was a 7-to-1 underdog."

What comes next?

The future of Gaethje's fighting career remains uncertain, with Vice President J.D. Vance revealing that Gaethje's mother had insisted during a recent visit to the White House that the lightweight champion was retiring. Gaethje's recent visit to the White House, where he was seen with his mother, has sparked speculation about his future in the sport.

Gaethje's impressive 2026 campaign, which included a historic victory over Ilia Topuria, has been overshadowed by the ESPYs' decision to award Terence Crawford the Best Fighter award. As the debate surrounding Gaethje's future in the sport continues, one thing is certain-his remarkable achievements in 2026 will not be forgotten.

The ESPYs' decision to overlook Gaethje's impressive campaign has sparked a heated debate in the MMA community. With Gaethje's future in the sport uncertain, one thing is clear-his remarkable achievements in 2026 will be remembered for years to come.

UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje's impressive 2026 campaign has been recognized by many, but not by the ESPYs. The ESPYs' decision to award Terence Crawford the Best Fighter award has left Gaethje's manager, Ali Abdelaziz, expressing disappointment.

Abdelaziz's comments on X have sparked a heated debate in the MMA community, with many questioning the ESPYs' decision to overlook Gaethje's impressive campaign. As the debate continues, one thing is certain-Gaethje's remarkable achievements in 2026 will not be forgotten.

The future of Gaethje's fighting career remains uncertain, with Vice President J.D. Vance revealing that Gaethje's mother had insisted during a recent visit to the White House that the lightweight champion was retiring. Gaethje's recent visit to the White House, where he was seen with his mother, has sparked speculation about his future in the sport.

The ESPYs' decision to overlook Gaethje's impressive campaign has sparked a heated debate in the MMA community. With Gaethje's future in the sport uncertain, one thing is clear-his remarkable achievements in 2026 will be remembered for years to come.

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