ESPY Awards 2023: Jamal Murray Sends a Bizarre Request to Jon Jones After Denver Nuggets Star Beats UFC Champ for Best Comeback Athlete of the Year – “Don’t Choke Me Out”

Inspiring comebacks are one of the most remarkable aspects of any sport. At the 2023 ESPYs, there were many amazing nominees for the Best Comeback Athlete, including the UFC legend Jon Jones. With a first-round victory to win the heavyweight title after 3 years of hiatus, ‘Bones’ resume fit the nomination perfectly.

However, it was Denver Nuggets’ star Jamal Murray who eventually won the trophy. Murray suffered an ACL tear in 2021 and was out of NBA action for over 18 months. But ‘The Blue Arrow’ made a phenomenal comeback that earned got him this award. In a gesture of respect, Murray acknowledged Jones while on the stage and even had a witty comment for the champion.

Jamal Murray lauds the remarkable comeback of Jon Jones

After he walked up to the stage to receive the award, Murray acknowledged other nominees and mentioned that either one of them could have won it. Moreover, he took some extra seconds to talk about Jon Jones. He praised Jones’ comeback after 3 years, further mentioning that he was in the audience at UFC 285.

“My man Jon Jones, I was actually there to watch you win this comeback 3 years off”, he said. Moreover, Murray also made a heartfelt gesture towards the UFC champ by offering to share the award. “We can share this together. Just don’t choke me out,” the 26-year-old playfully said.

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Murray shares several connections with the UFC world. Jon Jones is not the only champion that Murray holds in high regard. The NBA starlet is also good friends with featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski. The Australian opened up about his friendship with Murray during a recent interview.

Alexander Volkanovski explains his bond with Jamal Murray

Alexander Volkanovski had nothing but good things to say about the Denver Nuggets star. ‘The Great’ even noticed some similarities between himself and Murray. The two were recently spotted partying after Volkanovski’s successful title defense at UFC 290.

Talking to MMAFightingonSBN on YouTube recently, ‘The Great’ described his friendship with Murray. He described the NBA sensation as loyal, complimenting the similarities between both of them. Moreover, Volkanovski also praised his discipline and work ethic.

“We just got a good relationship. He’s a loyal dude. He just reminds me a lot of myself as well. He’s very disciplined and like you know that’s – you know these work ethics and then he’s all about that, right? So it’s the same as me.”

Do you think Murray deserved the best comeback award over Jon Jones? Or was the UFC heavyweight champ robbed of this prestigious accolade? Comment down below.

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