Jimmy Smith’s tenure as the color commentator for Bellator MMA has come to an end because the promotion and Smith “have mutually agreed to part ways.”
This ends a nine year tenure for Smith and the promotion, as the former professional MMA fighter has been in the commentary booth with them since 2008.
Paramount Network (which owns Bellator MMA) issued the following statement:
“Jimmy is one of the finest combat sports announcers of our time. He has played an integral role in the growth of Bellator as it has evolved into the successful global franchise it is today.”
Smith now joins Sean Wheelock and Sean Grande as commentators who have been let go by the promotion in recent years.
The former Bellator MMA color commentator did issue the following statement:
"I am very grateful to the entire Bellator organization and fans for an amazing and unforgettable nine years. As I move on to the next phase in my career, I want to wish all of the fighters, producers, and Bellator staff the absolute best.”
There is no word yet on who is going to be a part of the commentary team for future events, but the promotion still have Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo under deals.
Bellator 191 was the last event that had Smith on commentary, which was a tape delayed show with UFC veteran Michael McDonald defeating Peter Ligier in the main event.
