Issue 057
December 2009
A good commentator can make a bad fight sound exciting, but a bad commentator can make a great fight sound dull. To commentate on MMA events you must be professional, know your roundhouse from your rear naked and, most importantly, have a good inside knowledge of the workings of a fight. We salute seven of the most prominent commentators in MMA right now.
In brief
Mike Goldberg (UFC)
The best-known announcer in the business, ‘Goldie’ has been with the UFC since 1997.
Joe Rogan (UFC)
The most colorful color commentator around, Rogan brings true passion to his job.
Todd Harris (WEC)
Slick play-by-play guy for the sister promotion of the UFC.
Frank Mir (WEC)
His talent for explaining the more technical aspects of MMA is second to none.
Gus Johnson (Strikeforce)
Solid play-by-play guy and the voice of Strikeforce.
Mauro Ranallo (Strikeforce)
Delivers lines worthy of Will Ferrell’s anchorman, in classic sportscaster tones.
Bas Rutten (Pride / Dream)
A bundle of insider knowledge and joyous anarchy.
Background
Mike Goldberg (UFC)
Goldberg is a play-by-play commentator on many sports, including ice hockey, college football and even air racing.
Joe Rogan (UFC)
A TV presenter and stand-up comedian, Rogan began working backstage for the UFC in 1996.
Todd Harris (WEC)
Harris was a college football sideline reporter for ABC before working for the WEC.
Frank Mir (WEC)
Top-class fighter in the UFC heavyweight division.
Gus Johnson (Strikeforce)
Coverage of mainstream sports, particularly the hugely popular ‘March Madness’ college hoops championships.
Mauro Ranallo (Strikeforce)
Graduated from Canadian shows to become one of the voices of Pride.
Bas Rutten (Pride / Dream)
Famed for his killer liver-shots, ‘El Guapo’ is one of the biggest names in MMA.
Known for
Mike Goldberg (UFC)
His harmless yet entertaining slip-ups, including: “He’s unrelentless!”
Joe Rogan (UFC)
His rasping voice, bulging muscles, and love of jiu-jitsu.
Todd Harris (WEC)
His laid-back, often humorous, yet super-professional style.
Frank Mir (WEC)
Demystifying jiu-jitsu and his almost obsessive love of Miguel Torres.
Gus Johnson (Strikeforce)
Screaming at important points in basketball; something he has carried over into MMA.
Mauro Ranallo (Strikeforce)
Extending metaphors to breaking point, and often bizarre attempts at humor.
Bas Rutten (Pride / Dream)
Saying the first thing that comes into his head. Bas is a total one-off.
Likely to say
Mike Goldberg (UFC)
‘Brought to you by...’ (while plugging one of the UFC’s sponsors).
Joe Rogan (UFC)
“That submission is deep! Okay, he got out.”
Todd Harris (WEC)
Handing over to co-commentator Frank Mir during the grappling: “So Frank, what’s going on here?”
Frank Mir (WEC)
“He’s inching his hips out, watch for the sweep any second – there it is!”
Gus Johnson (Strikeforce)
“GROUND AND POUND!”
Mauro Ranallo (Strikeforce)
“I’d touch Gina Carano with a 25-centimetre pole.”
Bas Rutten (Pride / Dream)
“They say the only way to kill a lion is with a rear naked choke. I would just kick it in the head.”
Listen out for...
Mike Goldberg (UFC)
“And here we go!”
Joe Rogan (UFC)
“That is some high-level jiu-jitsu right there, my friend.”
Todd Harris (WEC)
“The speed of these fighters is incredible!”
Frank Mir (WEC)
“I just can’t say enough about this guy Torres.”
Gus Johnson (Strikeforce)
“IT’S OVER!”
Mauro Ranallo (Strikeforce)
“Cung Le has educated feet; right foot from Yale, the left from Harvard, and his opponent is getting an education tonight.”
Bas Rutten (Pride / Dream)
“POW! BOOM! BADA-BAM!”
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