Two weeks after he left his role as Bellator’s color commentator, Jimmy Smith has now joined the UFC’s broadcast team.
It’s believed that Smith will have on UFC broadcasts for FOX and on pay-per-view and in addition will also feature during pre-fight programming.
Smith had hinted at the move during a recent appearance on Joe Rogan’s ‘MMA Show’ podcast soon after his split from Bellator, where he had been calling fights for the past nine years.
A former fighter himself with a 5-1 record, including stints in King Of The Cage and TFA, the 40-year-old Smith also became known to fans of martial arts via the Discovery Channel documentary series ‘Fight Quest,’ where he and co-star Doug Anderson travelled the world training and fighting in numerous fighting discplines.
Smith would gon to host ‘American Ninja Warrior,’ but it was his color commentary work with Bellator that he became best known for, becoming regarded as one of the best in the business.
“We’re very excited to have Jimmy Smith join the UFC production team and look forward to working him into a variety of different on-air talent roles,” UFC vice-president Craig Borsari said in a press release. “Jimmy’s extensive experience in mixed martial arts gives him a unique voice and great insight to breakdown the intricacies of our sport. We are excited to welcome him to the family.”
Naturally, Smith was also excited to get started in his new role within the sport’s leading organization.
“I am honored to join the world’s premier combat sports brand in 2018,” Smith stated. “It is a privilege to call fights for a living and I can’t wait to join the tremendous UFC broadcast team to call the best fights in the world. To the UFC fans, I am thrilled to join you for this wild ride. See you all very soon!”
Fans will get a first chance to see Smith in his new role at UFC 220 on January 20th, where he’s due to feature on desk duties on FOX Sports 1.
