Earlier this year, Kenny Florian was announced as a commentator for the UFC. It’s been a few months now, and if you’ve been watching the lower profile shows (UFC on FX, UFC on Fuel) you’re probably familiar with Florian and his booth buddy Jon Anik.
So what’s the verdict on his performance so far?
He’s been stellar, much like his UFC career has been.
I always lend more credence to commentary made by fighters, and it’s interesting to hear his perspective on things that are happening in the cage since he’s actually been there. Florian and Anik are quietly sneaking up as my favoring MMA commentary team.
Don’t get me wrong, it’ll be a long time before they dethrone Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg—the premier MMA commentary team. Rogan and Goldberg have great chemistry, and I love Rogan’s personality and knowledge of the sport. He’s not afraid to call things like he sees them.
Goldberg also grew on me over time as the company man who always finds time to plug the latest thing the UFC wants to sell.
However, after watching them call probably more than 80 events (I’ve been watching since about UFC 60), the act is beginning to grow old. You always know what you’re going to get with Rogan and Goldie. That’s why it’s nice to get some fresh blood in the commentary booth.
Florian and Anik have a laid-back, intelligent style that I find quite enjoyable. They don’t exaggerate a whole lot, and pretty much call things straight-up.
Rogan has a tendency to get carried away sometimes, but that’s fine with me—that’s how Rogan is. However, by comparison the commentary in Strikeforce is awful.
Gus Johnson sounds like he’s yelling 100 percent of the time, and Mauro Ranallo is no stranger to hyperbole. I feel he bears a few similarities to the WWE’s Jim Ross. I know he’s been around since the Pride days, but I’m still not a fan.
Knowing the alternatives that are out there makes me that much more grateful for Florian and Anik. So, now that Florian is officially retired from MMA, here’s to many more broadcasts featuring KenFlo.
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