Jon Jones
Jones, Silva up for Best Fighter at ESPY’s
UFC middleweight champion Anderson Silva and light heavyweight champion Jon Jones have been nominated for the category of “Best Fighter” at the 2012 ESPY’s.
Two of the biggest stars in the Ultimate Fighting Championship, the pair compete against boxing nominees Floyd Mayweather and Andre Ward.
Jones earned his nomination after a very impressive year of fighting, which began with a win over Quinton “Rampage” Jackson at UFC 135. He went on to defeat Lyoto Machida and Rashad Evans at UFC 140 and UFC 145, respectively.
Outside of the cage, however, Jones has faced legal issues stemming from an automobile accident this past May. He was charged with driving while intoxicated, but a guilty plea is expected to allow him to avoid any serious punishment. He returns to court next month.
Silva, meanwhile, earned his nomination after dominant victories over Vitor Belfort and Yushin Okami at UFC 126 and UFC 134. He meets top contender and fierce rival Chael Sonnen on July 7 at UFC 148.
In the opposite corner of the MMA nominations, Mayweather is coming off a knockout win over Victor Ortiz to earn the WBC title last September, followed by a unanimous decision win over Miguel Cotto this past May.
Like Jones, Mayweather is currently dealing with legal issues, albeit far more severe issues. He is serving an 87-day jail sentence in Las Vegas’ Clark County Detention Center for domestic abuse. The sentence began on June 1, meaning Mayweather will still be locked away when the ESPY’s take place.
Lastly, Ward enters into the “Best Fighter” category five months after winning the “Super Six World Boxing Classic.” He defeated Carl Froch in the finale, retaining his WBA title and remaining unbeaten as a professional.
The 2012 ESPY’s take place on July 11 at 9 p.m. ET. Actor and comedian Rob Riggle will serve as the event’s host.
Check out our Anderson Silva news, as he heads to UFC 148 prior to the ESPY’s