Sherdog.com reports that Anderson Silva nad Jon Jones have received ESPY Nominations for Fighter of the Year. In addition, Edson Barboza received a nomination for “Best Play” for his spinning wheel kick at UFC 142.
Both Jones and Silva have been nominated in the category in the past and will compete against Floyd Mayweather, Jr. and Andre Ward in the category.
Barboza competes against a broader spectrum of sports for his “Best Play” nomination. In an MMA Junkie article, Barboza stated that the nomination is a win for MMA.
Payout Perspective:
Barboza’s nomination is more of a sign of the mainstream recognition of MMA than the nominations of Jones or Silva. However, Jones and Silva have a better chance of winning their category than Barboza (although Mayweather will likely win). Still, Barboza’s kick will impress a greater audience during the ESPYs. It displayed the skill and agility of an MMA fighter and may dispel the belief that MMA is just a bloodsport.
Barboza? I liked Varner’s play against him.