Who Are the UFC Commentators? | Simply Explained
In this page, we'll go over who the UFC commentators are, what they're known for, and what fans love/hate about them.
Table of Contents
Laura Sanko
One of the newest additions to the commentary team, Sanko has made history as the first female color commentator in the UFC, as she made her debut in Dana White's Contender Series.
Congratulations @laura_sanko for being the FIRST female color commentator for the Zuffa era! pic.twitter.com/pV4TP3RPvx
ā danawhite (@danawhite) September 1, 2021
Fighting Career
Sanko originally was an Atomweight fighter who compiled a 4-1 amateur record, and a 1-0 pro record.
She did not see a huge future in the Atomweight division as she mentioned that at the peak of the division, fighters would make $3k to show, and $3k to win.
Additionally, recently in her interview with Michael Bisping, she explained that even now there still isn't much of a future for Atomweights.
Transitioning After Fighting
After her fighting career, she transitioned to an in-cage and sideline reporter role at Invicta FC (fighting championships), and later on was hired by the UFC.
Now she is a 'do-it-all' in the UFC, specifically in Dana White's Contender Series. From commentating, to in-cage interviews, and everything in between.
Dana White has gone so far to say that Sanko is the Ronda Rousey of commentators.
Dominick Cruz
One of the greatest Bantamweight fighters of all time, Cruz was known for his phenomenal footwork, elusive movement, and cerebral fight IQ.
He became a WEC champion along with a UFC Bantamweight champion.
Unfortunately for him, during his fighting career he would have some terrible injury luck, at one point having a 3 year layoff strictly due to injuries.
On the brighter side of that, in between all of this, he was able to capitalize on his high fighting IQ, by landing analyst and commentating roles with the UFC.
You'll often hear him pointing out the 'underhooks' in almost every fight.
As a commentator, he is known for his lack of sugarcoating, and cerebral takes.
Paul Felder
Known as one of the toughest and most likeable fighters to ever fight, Felder has earned his reputation.
Fighting Career
Throughout his career he has fought the best of the best, and even though he was never able to win a UFC belt, he made his presence felt.
During his career he was no stranger to fighting through injuries. He was known to fight through a broken forearm, and even a collapsed lung!
After his 5 round fan-favorite fight with Dan Hooker, in his post-fight interview he mentioned that he was heavily contemplating retirement due to being away from his daughter for long periods of time.
He would go on to fight one more time as a short notice replacement vs Rafael Dos Anjos, and he would take the fight the distance prior to retiring.
Commentating During his Fighting Career
Unlike other fighters who took breaks, or would only commentate when they were out with injuries, Felder would frequently commentate during his fighting career.
Felder is known for his blend of smart analysis along with his extremely likeable personality.
Jon Anik
Anik is a staple of the UFC commentating crew, seemingly at every big event regardless of whether it's big or small.
He would essentially become long time UFC commentator, Mike Goldberg's replacement.
Most people don't know that Anik was actually an anchor with ESPN for 5+ years before landing his UFC role. For a period of two years, he even worked for ESPN radio.
Anik is known best for being a fantastic liaison between the commercials to fights, in his color commentating role.
Perhaps the best example of this is in the Masvidal vs Askren fight, Anik would say "The fight clock is brought to you by Modelo--OHHH" as Masvidal would land a flying knee to set the record for quickest knockout in UFC history.
Additionally, there's no current commentator who currently works more events than Jon Anik.
Michael Bisping
Bisping has had one of the most interesting career arcs ever.
Fighting Career
He began his career as one of the most hated fighters on the roster, and eventually turned that public perception around towards the end of his career.
He has endured the second longest path to the title, taking a staggering 26 fights before winning the UFC belt, only behind Charles Oliveira (28 fights).
If that wasn't crazy enough, we'd find out years later that Bisping achieved this while only having one working eye!
After winning the title, he would fight several more times prior to retiring and beginning his commentating career, full-time.
Commentating Career
He is known for his outspoken personality, great fight insights, and fantastic humor.
He is widely known for providing fans with a breath of fresh air while watching the fights.
He's also known for being one of the toughest fighters to ever fight due to his resilience, as well as shockingly fighting with only one good eye.
On top of commentating, Bisping also hosts one of the best MMA podcasts in the world.
Daniel Cormier
One of the greatest Mixed Martial Artists of all time, 'DC' has fought and become champion in both the Light Heavyweight division, and heavyweight division in the UFC (and Strikeforce).
He is one of the only 'Double Champs' or 'Champ Champ' in UFC history.
In his fighting career, he has had feuds with Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic, and these two fighters were the only ones who were ever able to hand him losses.
He is widely known for his dad-like personality while commentating, fantastic wrestling insight, and creating a great atmosphere where other commentators can feel comfortable being their true selves on air.
Joe Rogan
One of the longest tenured commentators in UFC history, Rogan actually began his commentating career with the company without being paid.
He just loved the sport, and wanted to make sure that his friends were able to get in as well.
Rogan is now famously known for his Joe Rogan Experience phenomenon of a podcast, but back in the day he was know as the 'Fear Factor guy', Tae Kwon Do State Champion, and Comedian.
Rogan is known for his outspoken opinions, massive experience calling fights, and bringing personality to the broadcast.
The combination of Rogan and DC almost always results in pure comedy.
The UFC, Dana White, and Joe Rogan are always thought of when the term 'UFC' is mentioned and rightly so, as they are some of the few people that have been at the company for all of these years.
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