The UFC commentary team has just got that bit smaller.
Jimmy Smith, the former Bellator announcer who moved to the UFC a year ago upon the expiration of his previous contract, finds himself back in the same scenario once again after being informed by the UFC that they have opted against renewing his contract.
Smith, who was known as the ‘voice’ of Bellator, found himself outside of that organisation’s plans when they signed the likes of Mike Goldberg, Mauro Ranallo and ‘Big’ John McCarthy to helm their broadcasts but on the recommendation of Joe Rogan, he inked a deal with the UFC.
However, with the UFC’s broadcast deal with FOX now expired and a new horizon for the company soon to begin in ESPN, the UFC has decided to move in a different direction.
I tried my utmost to show the fighters the respect they deserved for giving their lives to this sport and hope they felt that when they heard what I had to say. The UFC fans were truly amazing and I wish I could thank each and every one of you for your support and
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 1, 2019
even your criticism because it made me strive to be better. Wishing everyone a great 2019 and on to the next fight…Adios Amigos
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 1, 2019
“Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end,” Smith wrote on social media. “I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show. I tried my utmost to show the fighters the respect they deserved for giving their lives to this sport and hope they felt that when they heard what I had to say.
“The UFC fans were truly amazing and I wish I could thank each and every one of you for your support and even your criticism because it made me strive to be better. Wishing everyone a great 2019 and on to the next fight…Adios Amigos.”
This will leave the UFC with a colour commentary team including Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, Dominick Cruz and Paul Felder, with Michael Bisping set to join the team this year also.
