The Ultimate Fighting Championship® announced today that it has agreed to terms with broadcaster Jon Anik, who will serve as a commentator and on-air talent for the fastest-growing sports organization in the world. The 33-year-old Boston native, who has served as a top ESPN host for nearly six years, will handle play-by-play duties for upcoming UFC® events to air on FX and FUEL TV. Jon will also fulfill the newly-created host position for the revamped Ultimate Fighter® on FX. In addition, he will host UFC’s new magazine show, Ultimate Insider, which premieres on FUEL TV in January.
“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,” UFC President Dana White said. “It’s critical to seek out the best talent in the business as our company continues to grow.”
Anik, who began his stint with ESPN in 2006 as a SportsCenter anchor, has handled play-by-play duties for college football and the 2010 WBC heavyweight title fight between Vitali Klitschko and Shannon Briggs. He now heads Octagon-side with the opportunity to fulfill what he calls “a chance of a lifetime.”
“The UFC is one of the strongest brands in sports, and in my opinion, it’s the greatest sport in the world,” Anik said. “The product speaks for itself. More frequently than any other sport, the UFC delivers. I had the chance to be on the road at UFC events when I was with ESPN and what separates the UFC from other sports is that it prides itself on being hands-on and fan-friendly.”
“I look forward to helping play a small role in bringing the UFC to as many people across the world as possible. I’m really excited to a part of an organization that is filled with quality people who are the best in the world at what they do.”
Anik, his wife, Christine, and their daughter, Riley will relocate to Las Vegas. He will be based out of the UFC’s corporate headquarters.