The UFC have unveiled a third broadcast team who will be tasked with covering six upcoming live events on the UFC Fight Pass service.
Up until this point the UFC has relied on two separate broadcast teams: the original dynamic duo of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan who cover the promotion’s pay-per-view and FOX shows, and Jon Anik alongside Kenny Florian who’ve called the smaller ‘UFC Fight Night’ shows.
The number of the shows the UFC is doing has ramped up considerably this year though and that’s lead to the need for not only a third broadcast booth duo, but also a second Octagon announcer too.
The most notable name amongst the trio announced yesterday is former welterweight title contender Dan Hardy who’ll serve as the color commentator.
The UK fighter has been on the sidelines since 2012 due to being diagnosed with a rare heart disorder that’s left a great deal of uncertainty over whether he can ever compete again in the Octagon. While he’s not ruled out the possibility of doing just that, he’s happy for the time being to just focus on his new job with the UFC.
Joining Hardy in the broadcast booth calling the play-by-play will be former Cage Warriors commentator John Gooden who previously provided studio analysis on BT Sport at the UFC Fight Night 30 event last year.
Completing the new broadcast trio will be Andy Friedlander who’ll step into Bruce Buffer’s shoes as the Octagon announcer for the shows. Friedlander is best known as a soccer emcee, hosting major events at the world famous Wembley Stadium for over a decade including two UEFA cup finals, though he’s also performed similar duties in other sports like boxing and rugby.
The new team are expected to have a practice run behind-the-scenes at tonight’s UFC 170 event ahead of their first ‘real’ assignment at UFC Fight Night 37 in London on march 8th.
