ESPN and longtime “MMA Live” host Jon Anik was announced as joining the UFC broadcasting team earlier this week. Following the announcement, officials gave details on some of Anik’s new duties with the mixed martial arts top ranking promotion.
The new set of duties for Anik include broadcasts on both FX and FUEL TV, both owned by FOX, which recently signed a landmark seven-year deal with the UFC which officially begins in 2012.
While the longtime broadcasting team of Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan will remain intact and handle the usual pay-per-view events, Anik’s duties will include a mix of cable events and highlights programs where Anik will provide play-by-play commentary for shows that air on FX and FUEL TV, including UFC Fight Night and The Ultimate Fighter Finale events.
Anik will also handle the newly created host position for the revamped “TUF” reality series that moves from Spike TV to FX in 2012. He’ll also host a new “Ultimate Insider” show that debuts January on FUEL TV though officials have yet to announce who, if anyone, will be paired with Anik as a color commentator.
President Dana White even shared his thoughts on the UFC’s newest addition saying, “Jon Anik has been a top-tier talent at ESPN for a number of years, and I’ve made it a priority to bring him over to the UFC as we start our new partnership with FOX, it’s critical to seek out the best talent in the business as our company continues to grow.”
