ESPN began handing out the ESPY Awards in 1993, which is the same year that the UFC hosted its first event. In the 20 years since, not a single mixed martial artist has ever won an award.



In 2013, the sport has two chances to change that. Both Anderson Silva and Jon Jones were nominated in the "Best Fighter" category.



Boxers Floyd Mayweather, Jr., Canelo Alvarez and Danny Garcia are their competition.



Mayweather is probably the favorite to win, having already captured the prize four times, in 2007, 2008, 2010, and most recently, in 2012. He has fought once since last June's ESPY consideration period began, defeating Robert Guerrero in a unanimous decision. Alvarez has wins over Josesito Lopez and Austin Trout during that time while Garcia has knockouts of Amir Khan and Erik Morales, along with a decision over Zab Judah.



Neither Silva or Jones are newcomers to nomination. Silva was previously nominated in 2009 and 2012 while Jones' nomination makes it three straight years for him.



Jones won twice since last June, defeating Vitor Belfort by submission and Chael Sonnen via TKO. Silva also had a TKO win over Sonnen during that time, as well as a TKO of Stephan Bonnar.



The ESPY's will be handed out on July 17 at the Nokia Theatre in Los Angeles.