For the first time ever, mixed martial arts (MMA) had its very own category at ESPN’s annual “ESPY” awards — which are going down tonight (Wed., July 10, 2019) in Los Angeles C.A., — thanks in large part to Ultimate Fighting Championship’s (UFC) new partnership with the “Worldwide Leader In Sports.”
Fighting for “MMA Fighter of the Year” was interim Middleweight champion Israel Adesanya, Heavyweight king Daniel Cormier, Bantamweight and Flyweight champion Henry Cejudo, as well as current women’s champ-champ, Amanda Nunes.
With all fighters except for Adesanya on hand, UFC president Dana White was given the honor to announce Cormier as the winner of the award, though “DC” didn’t get the opportunity to go on stage, as the trophy was handed outside on the red carpet.
“It’s exciting. I can’t believe I have an ESPY. I’m just a kid from Louisiana. To be in a category with such talented fighters it’s amazing. Thank you, truly blessed,” said Daniel.
When prompted by Hannah Storm to confirm whether or not his upcoming title fight next month would indeed be his last, “DC” had this to say.
“I’m feeling better than I felt in a really long time, so we will see how it goes, but I feel pretty good,” said Daniel, as he was interrupted by Dana who stepped in to say it would not be his last UFC fight.
“I am excited going into this fight with Stipe Miocic and about the future holds for me. But right now, let’s celebrate this ESPY. Both of my parents are in the hospital right now, they are sick and this will bring smile to their faces.”
It’s just the latest accolade for Cormier, who undoubtedly has one of the best MMA careers of any fighter in the sport’s history. His title fight against Miocic will headline UFC 241 on August 17, 2019 from inside Honda Center in Anaheim, CA.
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