Jon Anik has been providing commentary on UFC events for many years now and it would appear that he isn’t going anywhere for at least another four years.
When the UFC transitions to ESPN in January of 2019, it will do so with Anik at the helm of the commentary table.
“It’s a multi-year extension, and it’s very exciting for me to be able to be a part of this new era with ESPN,” Anik told MMA Junkie. “I think, as a lot of people know, that’s where I sort of cut my teeth in television and radio, and that’s where I really starting covering mixed martial arts back in 2007 and 2008, so it sort of feels like we’re coming full-circle a little bit. Now, 10 years later, the UFC and ESPN have the whole domestic package aligned, so it’s a good time, you know, and I didn’t make it a secret – I mean, this is where I wanted to be. This has become the foremost passion in my life, and I just couldn’t imagine my life without UFC being a big part of it. I’m thankful that it got done and just excited to continue to hit the ground running.”
Anik has been a part of the UFC since 2011 and has been the lead commentator for UFC events since the exit of Mike Goldberg a few years back.
The newly re-signed color commentator knows that he will still be giving the UFC fans the highest effort going forward.
“I’m thankful to Dana White and Craig Borsari and Zach Candito for having the confidence in me to assume this role and to replace a guy like Mike Goldberg,” Anik said. “To be given this opportunity, it’s not something that I take lightly, and I’m going to continue to prove myself going forward.”
UFC 230 is the next time fans can hear Anik call the action, with UFC Heavyweight Champion Daniel Cormier defending the gold against Derrick Lewis in the main event.
