Without Brazilians, 'MMA Oscars' announces finalists for UFC's Best Fighter award

Islam makhachev gave up the UFC lightweight belt. Photo: Reproduction/Instagram/UFC India

The UFC has cemented its dominance in the Best Fighter award at the ESPY Awards, with ESPN announcing the four finalists in the exclusive category for the sport: Kayla harrison, Islam makhachev, Merab Dvalishvili e Dricus du Plessis. The ceremony, scheduled for July 16 at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles (USA), crowns the athlete with the best performance in the period analyzed, based on popular vote.

See too

MMA legend makes technical analysis and chooses favorite between Ilia Topuria and Islam Makhachev: 'It's difficult'

Topuria heats up rivalry with Pimblett and says he doesn't mind going to ground with Englishman

Brazilian shows off destroyed jaw after UFC knockout: 'Damn, that hurt'

For the third consecutive edition, the award adopted the nomenclature 'Best UFC Fighter', replacing the old title 'Best MMA Fighter' to restrict nominations to athletes from the promotion – without representatives from other organizations or Brazilians.

No Brazilian is on the list of finalists, an unprecedented fact since 2021, when Charles of the Bronx won the award. Athletes like Alex Poatán e Alexandre pantoja were also not indicated.

'Best Fighter' Voting Has Undergone Changes Over UFC

The mixed martial arts category at the ESPY Awards has undergone structural transformations since its creation. Between 2007 and 2018, MMA and boxing fighters competed in the same group ('Best Fighter'). Only in 2019 did MMA win an independent trophy, initially named 'Best MMA Fighter'.

Starting in 2023, however, ESPN revamped the award to 'Best UFC Fighter', in line with its commercial partnership with the company. The adjustment is reflected in the nominations: since 2022, all nominees belong to the organization, with the exception of Kayla harrison (then in the PFL), nominated that year.