Anik Leaves ESPN, Joins UFC Announce Team
One of MMA’s most recognizable television personalities now has a
new home.
UFC President Dana White announced on Thursday that Jon Anik, former host of ESPN's “MMA Live,” will join the promotion in an on-air capacity.
“He’s one of the guys I’ve been aggressively going after, and we
finally got this deal done,” said White at the UFC
137 pre-fight press conference. “Jon Anik will start with the
UFC in January when we launch on Fox.”
According to White, Anik will serve as play-by-play commentator for live UFC programming on Fox-owned cable station FX, which will be the new home of the promotion’s UFC Fight Night cards, as well as an updated, live version of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Anik will also play an undisclosed role on the long-running reality series.
“I’m so appreciative of this opportunity,” said Anik. “What really drew me to this organization were the people behind it. I’m so happy to be here. If I was leaving ESPN, there was only one destination: the Ultimate Fighting Championship.”
Anik began his run with ESPN in 2006 and debuted MMA Live in 2010. The Boston native also served as play-by-play announcer for Bellator Fighting Championships during the promotion’s first season in 2009.
UFC President Dana White announced on Thursday that Jon Anik, former host of ESPN's “MMA Live,” will join the promotion in an on-air capacity.
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According to White, Anik will serve as play-by-play commentator for live UFC programming on Fox-owned cable station FX, which will be the new home of the promotion’s UFC Fight Night cards, as well as an updated, live version of “The Ultimate Fighter.” Anik will also play an undisclosed role on the long-running reality series.
“I’m so appreciative of this opportunity,” said Anik. “What really drew me to this organization were the people behind it. I’m so happy to be here. If I was leaving ESPN, there was only one destination: the Ultimate Fighting Championship.”
Anik began his run with ESPN in 2006 and debuted MMA Live in 2010. The Boston native also served as play-by-play announcer for Bellator Fighting Championships during the promotion’s first season in 2009.
