The Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) boasts one of the most dynamic broadcast teams, bringing every knockout, submission, and punch to life.
In August 2025, the UFC announced a new broadcast era following a major media rights deal with Paramount+ starting in 2026, reshaping how fans experience fights globally.
“This historic deal with Paramount and CBS is incredible for UFC fans and our athletes. For the first time ever, fans in the US will have access to all UFC content without a pay-per-view model, making it more affordable and accessible to view the greatest fights on a massive platform,” the UFC CEO and President Dana White stated.
“This deal puts UFC amongst the biggest sports in the world. The exposure provided by the Paramount and CBS networks under this new structure is a huge win for our athletes and anyone who watches and loves this sport.”
At the center of this experience is a team of experienced commentators, reporters, analysts, and announcers who offer real-time storytelling insights and entertainment.
These professionals blend martial arts and technical knowledge with broadcasting expertise, making UFC events accessible to newcomers and hardcore fans.
Play-by-play commentators
These personalities call the action as it happens live, narrating takedowns, strikes, and finishes with precision.
Below are the main play-by-play voices on UFC.
1. Jon Anik
Jon Anik is the lead play-by-play commentator in the UFC. The political journalism degree holder from Gettysburg College serves as the backbone of most broadcasts. He guides viewers through every round with clarity.
He leads major PPVs like UFC 324 and 326.
His ability to balance storytelling with technical commentary makes him indispensable, particularly during high-stakes pay-per-view events.
Anik has been the UFC’s primary play-by-play voice since 2012. Before joining UFC, she worked with ESPN, doing a weekly MMA chat every Wednesday, anchoring SportsCenter updates on ESPN Radio, and anchoring on ESPN.
2. Brendan Fitzgerald
Brendan Fitzgerald handles Fight Nights, including UFC Vegas 113 (Fight Night 266). He steps in when Anik is unavailable and handles broadcasts in a professional, calm tone.
Similarly, he works alongside rotating analysts, enabling him to maintain consistency across UFC programming.
In an interview in October 2025, Fitzgerald stated that he had little doubt about where he’d end up since childhood.
“Once I figured out broadcasting was a job, it was pretty cut and dried. was sitting in math class in sixth grade thinking ‘I’m going to be on TV at some point talking about sports,” he stated.
3. John Gooden
John Gooden, who first appeared to UFC audiences in 2014, plays a significant role in international events and preliminary cards.
He handles play-by-play duties for select fights and also contributes as a reporter to the biggest fight promotion in the world.
His versatility makes him valuable in global UFC broadcasts.
In a 2024 interview, he revealed that he is not a trained journalist despite his stellar career in broadcasting.
“I’m not a trained broadcaster, never got into TV, and was trained in a certain way. I got into this through practicing martial arts. I was on the judo mat when I was seven. Karate, boxing, Muay Thai, Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, MMA. I’m still, to this day, part of a fight team. I’ve always thought about practicing and training, but in a broadcast sense,” he stated.
UFC Color commentators
These personalities provide fighter empathy and tactical breakdowns. Below are some of the fighters-turned-analysts on the UFC.
1. Joe Rogan
Joe Rogan has been one of the most iconic voices in UFC history since 1997.
Furthermore, Rogan continues to serve as a color commentator for major US-based events, delivering explosive, passionate reactions.
His ability to explain complex techniques in simple terms and martial arts knowledge made him a fan favorite.
2. Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier is a two-division champ, j who joined the UFC full-time post-2020 retirement. The OSU sociology degree holder is a leading analyst in the broadcast booth. Cormier brings elite-level insight into wrestling and strategy, allowing viewers to understand what happens in the cage.
He regularly pairs with Anik and Rogan on numbered events, offering elite perspectives.
3. Laura Sanko
Laura Sanko, a former mixed martial arts fighter, is one of the leading female voices in the UFC.
Sanko competed in Invicta Fighting Championships and shone on Fight Nights, debuting in 2026 at Vegas 113 with Felder.
Her grappling expertise earns raves, and her presence reflects UFC’s effort to diversify its broadcast team.
4. Paul Felder
Paul Felder is a respected UFC analyst known for his technical breakdowns.
The retired lightweight who holds a degree in acting from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia rotates on Apex and Vegas cards, bringing charisma and breakdowns, especially during Fight Night events.
His background in martial arts enables him to explain tactics and striking changes effectively.
5. Michael Bisping
Michael Bisping is among the most active commentators on UFC in 2026.
The Hall of Famer covers international events, such as UFC 325 in Australia, and provides desk analysis, offering a blend of humor, insight, and experience.
The former middleweight champion frequently appears on commentary teams and has secured long-term involvement with UFC broadcasts.
6. Dominick Cruz
Domonick Cruz is known for his highly detailed and analytical commentary style.
The former bantamweight champion breaks down timing, footwork, and fight IQ to an elite level.
Additionally, he often apperats asd a commentator and desk analyst during major events.
UFC Octagon announcer
An Octagon announcer introduces fighters and delivers official results.
Bruce Buffer
Bruce Buffer is the legendary Octagon announcer on the UFC. He announced UFC 324 despite minor gaffes.
However, his connection to combat sports goes beyond announcing, as he was introduced to martial arts at a young age.
He trained in judo before moving into Tang Soo Do. His martial arts journey was cut short after multiple concussions in his early twenties, causing him to step away from active competition.
His experience gave him a deep understanding of discipline and fight dynamics, as well as a fighter mentality that shaped his announcing style in the UFC.
UFC Desk hosts and announcers
The personalities discuss pre- and post-fight insights. They include;
1. Karyn Bryant
Karyn Bryant serves as a desk anchor and host for UFC events.
The political science and sociology graduates from Brown University lead pre- and post-fight coverage, guiding discussions with analysts and providing context for viewers.
She began her career in the late 1990s, gaining early recognition on networks like MTV, where she covered pop culture and youth-focused programming.
She later worked with major outlets such as CNN, Fox Sports, and Showtime, where she hosted shows, conducted celebrity interviews, and reported on entertainment and sports.
2. Din Thomas
Din Thomas provides expert analysis both at the desk and between rounds.
His breakdowns are concise and insightful, helping viewers understand key adjustments fighters need to make mid-fight
Before joining the UFC broadcast team, Din Thomas built his reputation as a respected mixed martial artist and coach.
He competed professionally from the late 1990s through the 2010s and fought in several major promotions, including the UFC, where he competed in the lightweight and featherweight divisions.
UFC roving Reporters
Roving reporters conduct backstage interviews.
Megan Olivi
Megan Olivi is the UFC’s primary backstage reporter.
Olivi, who holds a bachelor’s degree in political science from Seton Hall University and a master’s degree in broadcast journalism from Fordham University, conducts fighter interviews before and after bouts, providing real-time behind-the-scenes updates.
Before joining the UFC, Megan Olivi worked with regional sports networks such as Fox Sports San Diego, where she covered Major League Baseball’s San Diego Padres, conducting player interviews and producing feature segments.
Olivi also gained experience in digital media, hosting and reporting for sports websites, which helped her develop a strong on-camera presence and storytelling ability.
Her background in covering traditional sports sharpened her interviewing skills and ability to handle live reporting under pressure.
This experience made her a natural transition into MMA, where she quickly became one of the most trusted and recognizable reporters in the UFC.