Die-Hard Football Fan Jon Anik Reveals His Turning Point That Made Legendary UFC Career Possible: “Renzo Gracie and Frank Shamrock”

The world of MMA now seems incomplete without a well-versed commentator. If the UFC fans were to be asked, they would surely miss the voice of Jon Anik in the commentary booth ahead of any match. The UFC commentator has been an integral part of the UFC commentary team for more than a decade. He recently appeared in a podcast with former UFC fighter Brendan Schaub. Anik shared some interesting insights about his career and how he joined the world of MMA, leaving boxing and football.

Jon Anik shares his side of his journey

Jon Anik was in a storytelling mood with Brendan Schaub. He described his journey coming into the world of MMA. The UFC commentator said, “I remember watching UFC 1 in 1993 and I’d watch again until UFC 50 in like 2004. We launched MMA live in 2008.” Jon Anik joined the UFC in 2012.

“But for me the turning point really, I was hosting a boxing show and in 2007 Gary Shaw, who started the Elite XC the longtime boxing promoter. He invited all the boxing media to come to Tunica Mississippi to cover the first Elite XC show. Renzo Gracie and Frank Shamrock in the main event,” Anik added. Moreover, the UFC commentator explained he defended boxing against the “avalanche” of MMA.

Furthermore, he said, “And then I watched this MMA show at Tunica Mississippi… I was like with respect to the NFL, this might be the greatest sport in the world. So now my gear started to churn that night in Tunica Mississippi and,”

He further mentioned how he didn’t really like watching boxing anymore, “I don’t really like watching boxing anymore.”

Anik feels confident about calling other sports too

Previously, Anik revealed to Schaub how confident he was while commentating for other sports, too. Anik said, “I feel like I could take a bong hit drink a six-pack, and call a football game whereas with this it’s a different challenge for me now. I feel like I’m much more of a mixed martial arts head and expert now than I was in 2011. But football, baseball, basketball, those are the sports that come easiest to me for sure.”

Read More: Dana White Recalls Witnessing Boxing “Fall Apart” in Front of His Eyes Before Starting as a Manager for UFC Fighters

What do you think about Jon Anik’s contribution to the world of MMA? Do you like listening to Anik during his commentary?

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