The 2026 ESPY Awards delivered one of its biggest upsets in the new unified combat sports category, as boxing legend Terence Crawford took home the coveted Best Fighter award over UFC lightweight champion Justin Gaethje. The decision was met with disbelief from Gaethje's camp and MMA fans alike, especially given the odds leading into the ceremony.
The Context of the Award
ESPN reformed its ESPY categories in recent years. Where there used to be separate awards for boxing and mixed martial arts, the network merged all combat sports athletes into a single Best Fighter category for the 2026 ceremony. This meant that Crawford, along with fellow boxers Claressa Shields and Gabriela Fundora, had to compete directly against the UFC's top talent. Gaethje entered as the overwhelming betting favorite at -600, with Crawford listed at +250.
The shift in categories has been controversial. In 2024, Sean O'Malley won the Best UFC Fighter award, while Terence Crawford claimed his second ESPY in the Best Boxer category. But by 2026, ESPN eliminated the split, arguing that modern fight fans wanted a single champion. The decision immediately drew criticism from both boxing and MMA purists who felt the disciplines were too different to compare.
Crawford's Path to the Award
Terence Crawford (42-0, 31 KOs) has long been considered one of the greatest pound-for-pound fighters of his generation. He became the undisputed champion in three weight classes, including a stunning move up to super middleweight to defeat Canelo Alvarez last fall. Shortly after that victory, Crawford announced his retirement from professional boxing, leaving the sport undefeated and with a legacy that few can match.
His ESPY win is his third overall, adding to the awards he earned in 2024 and 2022. In his victory speech, Crawford said: "Retired but still in my winning season. Three-time undisputed and three-time ESPY Award winner. Blessing on blessings." The comment underscored his belief that his achievements in the ring transcend his active career.
Gaethje's Justification and the Backlash
Justin Gaethje, the reigning UFC lightweight champion, had a compelling case of his own. Over the past year, he defeated Paddy Pimblett and Ilia Topuria in back-to-back fights, both as an underdog. Against Topuria, Gaethje was a +700 dog, yet he won by knockout in the second round. His manager, Ali Abdelaziz, took to social media to vent: "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."
The reaction from the MMA community was swift and often angry. Many argued that Gaethje's activity and the level of competition he faced in the UFC—a promotion with far more depth than boxing's current landscape—should have given him the edge. Critics pointed out that Crawford fought only once in the eligibility period, while Gaethje fought twice and defeated two highly ranked opponents.
However, Crawford's single victory was a massive one: beating Canelo Alvarez, a superstar who had not lost in over a decade. That win, combined with Crawford's overall undefeated record and his retirement at the peak of his powers, clearly swayed the ESPY voters.
Historical Perspective on ESPY Combat Awards
The ESPY Awards have alternated between celebrating individual sports and unifying categories. In the early 2000s, boxing and MMA were often grouped together, but after the UFC's surge in popularity, ESPN began splitting them. The 2024 ceremony was the last time they were separate, with O'Malley and Crawford winning their respective categories.
ESPN's decision to merge them again for 2026 seemed to be a way to generate more debate and viewership. It worked: the Best Fighter award was one of the most talked-about moments of the night. But the move also highlighted the inherent difficulties of comparing two different sports. Boxing has a long history with the ESPY Awards—names like Muhammad Ali, Floyd Mayweather, and Manny Pacquiao have won multiple times. MMA fighters like Ronda Rousey and Conor McGregor have also taken home the prize. But no single athlete from either sport has dominated the unified category since its reintroduction.
Crawford's Legacy Secured
Terence Crawford retires as a three-division undisputed champion—a feat only a handful of boxers have accomplished. He unified at welterweight and super lightweight before moving up to super middleweight to shock Alvarez. His technical brilliance, power, and ring IQ have drawn comparisons to legends like Sugar Ray Leonard and Roberto Duran.
The ESPY win adds a footnote to his legacy: it comes from a broader pool of competitors, which some see as more prestigious. Crawford's career has been marked by consistency and excellence, and even in retirement, he remains a figure who commands respect across combat sports.
Gaethje, meanwhile, is still active. At 37, he has hinted at moving up to welterweight or even retiring after a few more fights. His manager's protest aside, Gaethje has said he respects Crawford as a fighter and simply disagrees with the voting. The UFC lightweight division continues to be one of the most competitive in the sport, with contenders waiting to challenge Gaethje for his belt.
The Future of the Unified Category
It remains to be seen whether ESPN will keep the unified Best Fighter category for future ESPY ceremonies. The controversy this year may push the network to reconsider. Some fans have called for separate awards again, while others appreciate the debate it generates. One thing is certain: the 2026 ESPY Awards provided a rare moment where boxing and MMA fans could argue over who truly deserved the title of best fighter.
Crawford's upset win will be remembered as a testament to the power of a single, monumental victory. Gaethje's supporters will argue that consistency should matter more, but the award is ultimately about popularity and narrative. And in 2026, Terence Crawford's story was too compelling to ignore.
Source: MSN News