Conor McGregor and Holly Holm walked out of ESPN’s ESPY Awards with hardware on Wednesday night, with McGregor winning the “Fighter of the Year” honors and Holm taking home one for “Best Upset.”
McGregor beat out fellow UFC Champ Robbie Lawler and boxers Gennady Golovkin, Canelo Alvarez, and Roman Gonzalez, despite his loss to Nate Diaz at UFC 196 in March. He was also up for the “Breakthrough Athlete” award, which went to MLB pitcher Jake Arrieta from the Chicago Cubs.
As for Holm, her head kick KO win over Ronda Rousey from last November didn’t win “Best Play,” but beat out Middle Tennessee’s upset over Michigan State in the opening round of the NCAA’s “March Madness” basketball tournament and Roberta Vinci’s upset over Serena Williams in tennis’ US Open.
Penick’s Analysis: It’s a little surprising McGregor still got the nod for that award even though he lost his last fight, but Holm’s win over Rousey certainly deserved the award she received. It was one of the great highlights in UFC history, and coming against one of the biggest stars the organization’s ever had only elevates its status.
[Photo (c) Matt Roberts via USA Today Sports]
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