UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili has been voted the 2025 ESPY Fighter of the Year, according to the results announced at the annual ESPN sports awards ceremony on 13 July. The honor caps a breakthrough 12-month stretch for the Georgian-born athlete, who captured the UFC bantamweight title earlier in the year and successfully defended it while extending his unbeaten run. The ESPY award is determined by fan and expert voting, recognizing achievements across combat sports.