Why Alex Pereira should've been the only choice for 2024 ESPY (and definitely not Sean O'Malley)

Alex Pereira was snubbed at the 2024 ESPY Awards, where Sean O'Malley was recognized as the best MMA fighter. The criteria for the award take into account each fighter's accomplishments, which for the voters of the 2024 ESPY Awards, was somehow enough to crown 'Sugar' as MMA's best.

However, there is a stronger case to be made for the one fighter who has risen above the rest to claim superstardom in the most organic way seen since Conor McGregor: 'Poatan.' Not only is the Brazilian massively popular with the fans but his exploits inside the octagon cannot be denied.

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Alex Pereira's 2024 vs. Sean O'Malley's 2024

Sean O'Malley had the benefit of a headstart in 2024, headlining UFC 299 against Marlon 'Chito' Vera. 'Sugar' was tasked with defending his newly-minted UFC bantamweight title, but the matchup was scrutinized given Vera's then run of form at 135 pounds.

The entire basis of the pair's bout was that Vera had previously TKO'd O'Malley due to the former's low kicks causing him to experience drop foot at UFC 252. Moreover, 'Chito' earned the title fight by bouncing back from a loss to Cory Sandhagen by beating Pedro Munhoz, who sat well outside the top five.

O'Malley authored an impressive performance, beating 'Chito' from pillar to post and dominating the proceedings, although he was badly hurt by a body shot in the dying seconds of round five. He successfully defended his title via unanimous decision, but it pales in comparison to Pereira's exploits.

Check out Alex Pereira's KO of Jamahal Hill:

Alex Pereira, meanwhile, stepped in on short notice to headline the marquee UFC 300 event, where he faced former light heavyweight champion Jamahal Hill, a much higher-level fighter than 'Chito.' Not only did 'Poatan' beat him, but he steamrolled him, shrugging off a groin kick in cold-blooded fashion.

Thereafter, Pereira knocked Hill out with a thunderous left hook, all within three minutes. He had successfully defended his title and celebrated in a manner that has since gone viral. But, he wasn't done. He stepped in on short notice again, this time at UFC 303 with just two weeks to prepare and a broken toe.

More than that, he was taking on another ex-light heavyweight champion in Jiří Procházka. Some predicted the Czech samurai to beat him given the success he enjoyed in their prior outing before a controversial TKO. Pereira, however, left no room for doubt in the rematch.

Check out Alex Pereira's KO of Jiří Procházka:

He dropped him with a left hook at the end of round one, then knocked him out with a switch kick in round two. There is just no comparison between Pereira and O'Malley.