Sean O'Malley has sparked controversy by winning the ESPY award for Best UFC Fighter over notable competitors like Alex Pereira, Islam Makhachev, and Zhang Weili, leading to widespread discontent in the MMA community and questions about the selection process. Despite O'Malley's recent victories and title defense, fans and experts express dissatisfaction with the outcome, suggesting that other fighters may have been more deserving based on their performances and impact in the UFC over the past year. The debate over the award's criteria, the voting panel composition, and the timeframe considered for judging intensifies the disagreement, with many fans questioning the legitimacy of the decision and highlighting differing opinions on social media. As O'Malley prepares for a potential title defense at UFC 306 against Merab Dvalishvili, the anticipation and scrutiny surrounding his next fight remain high amidst ongoing discussions about the ESPY award results.