Terence Crawford took the combat-sports award that Justin Gaethje had been chasing.
ESPN’s official winners list for the 2026 ESPYS names Crawford as Best Fighter. The finalist group was Crawford, Gaethje, Gabriela Fundora, and Claressa Shields, with Gaethje standing as the only MMA fighter in the category after ESPN combined the field under one combat-sports award.
The award was announced through ESPN’s video segment on The Pat McAfee Show, where Crawford was shown with the trophy after winning the category.
Crawford then posted his own reaction on Instagram.
Retired but still in my winning season. 3x Undisputed x 3x ESPY Award winner. Blessing on blessings.
View this post on Instagram
Gaethje Camp Questions The Vote
Gaethje’s manager, Ali Abdelaziz, pushed back after the result and pointed to Gaethje’s recent run as the reason he believed the UFC champion had the stronger case.
It’s crazy how Crawford wins ESPY’s over Justin Gaethje is 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.
It’s crazy how Crawford wins ESPY’s over Justin Gaethje is 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.
— Ali Abdelaziz (@AliAbdelaziz00) July 16, 2026
Crawford entered the vote after retiring undefeated at 42-0 with 31 knockouts, capped by his move up to beat Canelo Alvarez and become undisputed at super middleweight. That undefeated finish later led into Crawford stepping away from boxing and addressing Conor McGregor’s MMA-boxing offer claim.
Gaethje had his own case after two underdog wins in six months, from his Best Fighter nomination to the Ilia Topuria upset and his later Paddy Pimblett rematch response. The ESPY still went to Crawford, leaving Gaethje with the lone MMA nomination but not the trophy.
