MMA best of 2026 midyear: Gaethje's title victory earns three awards

Justin Gaethje has emerged as the standout performer in MMA through the first half of 2026, earning three individual awards in ESPN's midyear best-of rankings. His title victory, widely regarded as one of the most impressive performances of the year, highlighted a dominant stretch that set him apart from his peers. The recognition cements Gaethje's status as one of the sport's premier fighters heading into the second half of the year.