Tag: Jon Anik

Jon Anik Maintains Conor McGregor Has ‘An Itch That Can Only Be Scratched In The Octagon’ Amid UFC Return Uncertainty

UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik has reiterated his belief that Conor McGregor’s time competing in mixed martial arts is not yet up. As has been the case for the best part of a year and a half since his comeback was first announced, considerable uncertainty surrounds the career status of McGregor, the promotion’s first-ever simultaneous […]

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UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik has reiterated his belief that Conor McGregor’s time competing in mixed martial arts is not yet up.

As has been the case for the best part of a year and a half since his comeback was first announced, considerable uncertainty surrounds the career status of McGregor, the promotion’s first-ever simultaneous two-division champion.

The Irishman has struggled for both activity and positive results since he achieved that feat in 2016, going 1-3 across four fights in over seven years. The manner of his most recent setback — a gruesome broken leg suffered in the first round of his trilogy fight against Dustin Poirier in 2021 — left many suggesting the Irishman had entered the cage for the last time.

Those theories continued throughout 2023 when no news came on his planned fight against Michael Chandler following their stint as opposition coaches on The Ultimate Fighter. And while the bout was eventually set for UFC 303 last month, a toe injury led to McGregor’s withdrawal on late notice.

That’s once again brought about claims that McGregor is unlikely to make the walk again. Anik, however, has remained firm on his belief that the Irishman has an itch that must be scratched inside the cage…

Anik Doubles Down On McGregor Return Prediction

During a recent appearance on MMA Junkie Radio, Anik gave his thoughts on the uncertainty around McGregor’s long-awaited comeback, having previously predicted the Dubliner to rattle of consecutive fights in short time upon his return.

The UFC’s lead play-by-play commentator reiterated that stance, explaining that factors outside of the cage such as wealth and material goods that some use to dismiss his motivation to compete would be more enjoyable for McGregor after additional Octagon assignments.

“I guess I’m frustrated. That’s probably the right verb when it comes to some of Conor McGregor’s inactivity. But largely, I think a lot of this has been out of his control,” Anik said. “It’s not always easy being the biggest superstar in mixed martial arts. It certainly isn’t easy when you snap your leg in half, you know? And then obviously he had a setback in this most recent training camp.

“I’ve gotta stay consistent in terms of my thesis statement on Conor. It’s that he’s going to enjoy the yacht life a whole lot more with a couple more MMA scalps, or at the very least fights, high-profile fights,” Anik continued. “He came back and fought Dustin back-to-back, right, and then snapped his leg in two. I still believe that there’s an itch that can only be scratched in the Octagon for Conor McGregor.”

It remains to be seen whether or not McGregor will prove Anik’s remarks true later this year. But his recent return to “yacht life” on social media following the UFC 303 cancellation has seemingly left some fans fearing the worst…

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Jon Anik Names First-Time Opponent That ‘Makes Sense’ For Nate Diaz’s Planned UFC Return

Should Nate Diaz follow through on his publicly expressed desire to make a UFC return, Jon Anik has the ideal opponent in mind for him. Diaz was back in combat sports action this past weekend for the first time in 11 months. Having fallen short in his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul last August, […]

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Should Nate Diaz follow through on his publicly expressed desire to make a UFC return, Jon Anik has the ideal opponent in mind for him.

Diaz was back in combat sports action this past weekend for the first time in 11 months. Having fallen short in his professional boxing debut against Jake Paul last August, the Stockton star ran it back in the ring with ex-UFC rival Jorge Masvidal.

In addition to his first triumph in the ring, Diaz was looking to avenge the setback he was given at the hands of “Gamebred” back in 2019 when Madison Square Garden hosted the inaugural BMF title fight.

On that occasion, Masvidal was rewarded for his dominance on the feet with a TKO by way of doctor’s stoppage. After Saturday’s match at Anaheim’s Honda Center, that result remains the Miami native’s most recent win.

After a competitive 10 rounds on July 6, Diaz was awarded the victory via majority decision. Masvidal was quick to call for a trilogy to take place in a neutral location, but it would appear that the Stockton native has other plans.

And in addition to a second dance with Paul, that seemingly includes unfinished business on MMA’s biggest stage…

Anik Says Diaz Has ‘A Lot Of Fight’ Left, Pitches UFC Return Opponent

During the latest episode of the Anik & Florian Podcast, the UFC’s lead play-by-play commentator reacted to Diaz’s first victory inside the boxing ring this past weekend.

Anik noted that Diaz once again highlighted a UFC return as part of his plans down the line, and he insisted that in spite of the veteran fighter’s age and stint away from MMA competition, he can never be counted out against elite opposition.

“Nate Diaz back in the UFC. I don’t know to what extent that is possible in short order, but it’s very encouraging that that is one of the first things sort of on the tip of his tongue,” Anik said. “And far be it for anyone to bet against this guy in a high-profile setting against an elite fighter. Yeah, there’s certain matchups, right? Maybe you don’t like him against Sean Brady, but there are plenty of matchups that are good for Nate Diaz. … I think he’s got a lot of fight left.”

The Boston native went on to point out one specific matchup that would make sense for Diaz’s potential Octagon comeback: a rearranged showdown with Dustin Poirier.

“Dustin Poirier and I were talking at UFC 303 as he was there doing the television work. There just aren’t that many fights right now for Dustin. It seems like he has the appetite to go out on a win,” Anik continued. “Dustin has intimated that he wants to fight one more time, and on the very short list of opponents that actually makes some fiscal and competitive sense is Nate Diaz. We’ll see if that’s something that actually materializes.”

Poirier and Diaz were set to share the cage back at UFC 230 in 2018, but “The Diamond” was forced out after sustaining a hip injury.

Interestingly, rumors of the pair giving the matchup a second attempt emerged the last time Poirier’s future appeared uncertain. In the aftermath of his title loss against Charles Oliveira in December 2021, the Louisianan pointed to Diaz as the only opponent that appealed to him at the time.

The former interim champion instead defeated Michael Chandler in his return, and after bouncing back from a defeat to Justin Gaethje last July by knocking out Benoît Saint Denis, he received his third shot at the undisputed belt.

When Islam Makhachev got the better of him at UFC 302 last month, it seemed that retirement was a real possibility. But a number of weeks on from his latest failed attempt at ticking off the final box in his career, “The Diamond” has picked up hints of another go at the kind of farewell he is after.

Continue Reading Jon Anik Names First-Time Opponent That ‘Makes Sense’ For Nate Diaz’s Planned UFC Return at MMA News.

UFC caller Jon Anik backs Conor McGregor to fight this year: ‘I know it sounds ridiculous and ambitious’

Jon Anik backs Conor McGregor to make UFC return this year I know it sounds ridiculousDespite his exit from a scheduled return to action last weekend at UFC 303, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor…

Jon Anik backs Conor McGregor to make UFC return this year I know it sounds ridiculous

Despite his exit from a scheduled return to action last weekend at UFC 303, former two-weight champion, Conor McGregor has received backing from play-by-play lead, Jon Anik to compete not just this year – but twice in the space of eight months.

Slated to make his return to action late last month, McGregor was scheduled to take on former lightweight title challenger, Michael Chandler at the welterweight limit, atop International Fight Week’s huge UFC 303 card.

Conor McGregor admits deep mental pain after missing UFC 303 return fight
Mandatory Credit: Jose Penuela

However, in the weeks’ ahead of the bout, McGregor, a former undisputed lightweight and featherweight gold holder, confirmed his withdrawal from the matchup, citing a fractured toe on his left foot.

And hopeful of making a return to action as soon as August – if not September, following a recent offer to fight at the Las Vegas Sphere at UFC 306 by the previously mentioned, Chandler, McGregor’s comeback has been put in doubt this year by promotional boss, Dana White – who claimed the organization’s schedule was laid-out already.

Conor McGregor plans August return to UFC amid toe injury layoff I can't get into a shoe yet
Mandatory Credit: Jose Penuela

Jon Anik confident of Conor McGregor return this annum

According to fan-favorite play-by-play lead, Anik, however, he remains confident McGregor competes before the end of this annum, and furthermore, fights twice in eight months.

Conor UFC 1 1

“I’ve been waxing optimistic on Conor (McGregor) for a long time,” Jon Anik told MMA Junkie. “I fully expect him to compete in 2024, to come back at a high-level. Fight twice in eight months – I know it sounds ridiculous and super ambitious to some people, but I just know the mixed martial arts athlete is in there, and I just remain hopeful that he’s going to come back and make more of an impact that anyone expects that he will.”

“I messaged Conor after UFC 300 and I said, ‘Only thing bigger than 300 is McGregor versus anybody,’” Anik explained. “So, the biggest thing we can do is have a Conor McGregor-led pay-per-view. …”

Do you expect to see Conor McGregor make his comeback to fighting this year?

UFC 300 set to feature its commentary A-team for historic fight card in Las Vegas

UFC 300 set to feature its commentary A-team for historic Pay-Per-View event in Las VegasAs the Ultimate Fighting Championship closes in on its massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, broadcasting details regarding…

UFC 300 set to feature its commentary A-team for historic Pay-Per-View event in Las Vegas

As the Ultimate Fighting Championship closes in on its massive UFC 300 card in Las Vegas, broadcasting details regarding the historic event are beginning to emerge.

UFC 300 is scheduled to feature 13 epic fights with 12 current or former world champions set to take center stage — none bigger than Alex Pereira who puts his light heavyweight championship on the line against ex-titleholder Jamahal Hill in the 205-pound headliner.

UFC 300

Being touted as the biggest card in the promotion’s 30+ year history, it should come as no surprise that the UFC is busting out its A-team for the impending broadcast. UFC play-by-play man Jon Anik will be at the helm according to a report from MMA Fighting. Joining him will be longtime color commentator Joe Rogan and UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier.

UFC 300 broadcast team

As expected, the “Veteran Voice of the Octagon” Bruce Buffer will handle fighter walkouts and official announcements. Joining the broadcast will be the UFC’s chief roving reporter, Megan Olivi, handling backstage duties. Former fighter Din Thomas will also be on hand to offer up his unique take on the action from time to time.

At the analyst desk will be three-time UFC title challenger Chael Sonnen and top-10 ranked 205’er Anthony ‘Lionheart’ Smith. They will be joined by Boxing icon Teddy Atlas to offer their take on the night’s action.

Chael Sonnen will be part of the UFC 300 broadcast

In addition to UFC 300’s light heavyweight title scrap, fans inside T-Mobile Arena and those watching around the world will also see reigning strawweight champion Zhang Weili put her title on the line in an all-Chinese clash with Yan Xiaonan in the evening’s co-main event.

And in a fight appropriately dubbed as “the people’s main event,” BMF titleholder Justin Gaethje puts his bragging rights belt on the line against former 145-pound king Max Holloway.

Gaethje vs. Holloway at UFC 300

The card for UFC 300 is as follows:

UFC 300 Main card (ESPN+ PPV)

UFC 300 Preliminary card (ESPN/ESPN+)

  • Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
  • Aljamain Sterling vs. Calvin Kattar
  • Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm
  • Sodiq Yusuff vs. Diego Lopes
  • Jalin Turner vs. Renato Moicano
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Jim Miller vs. Bobby Green
  • Cody Garbrandt vs. Deiveson Figueiredo

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal’s spot on the UFC 300 main card: ‘There’s just a different electricity’

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal's spot on the UFC 300 main card: 'There’s just a different electricity'Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal’s spot on the UFC 300 main card. Earlier this month, the promotion announced…

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal's spot on the UFC 300 main card: 'There’s just a different electricity'

Jon Anik fully supports Bo Nickal’s spot on the UFC 300 main card.

Earlier this month, the promotion announced its bout order for what is primed to be the biggest card in UFC history. However, fans were quick to notice that Nickal, a fighter with only two appearances inside the Octagon thus far, would feature in the main card opener against Cody Brundage.

Bo Nickal kicks off the UFC 300 main card

Backlash immediately ensued with pundits arguing that Nickal was not deserving of the spot over fighters like former UFC champions Jiri Prochazka and Aljamain Sterling who had been relegated to the preliminary portion of the card — not to mention two-time PFL champ Kayla Harrison who makes her highly anticipated debut against ex-titleholder Holly Holm.

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But for Anik, Bo Nickal is right where he belongs in the coveted main card slot, noting that the promising prospect brings a certain “electricity” to the Octagon that will likely get things off to a roaring start at the promotion’s landmark event on April 13.

“Khamzat Chimaev, I would even throw out there 18-year-old Raul Rosas Jr., Bo Nickal – there’s just a different electricity when it comes to some of these guys,” Anik told MMA Junkie Radio. “You parlay their fight style with the expectation, and the pressure, and the fan intrigue, and I just think Bo Nickal checks a lot of boxes.

“For us, when we get through our pay-per-view open, and we have that exhale moment, when we get to sit down and watch that first fight on pay-per-view with all the masses around the world, that’s a very strategic position on the card. It’s a prime slot. Maybe at times you don’t get as many people as seen on during the featured prelim on ESPN, but they don’t mess around when it comes to that first fight. I can’t necessarily speak to Cody Brundage and the decision to feature him against Bo Nickal” (h/t Yahoo! Sports).

Bo Nickal is a massive favorite going into UFC 300

Thus far, Bo Nickal is a perfect 5-0 in his mixed martial arts career with all of his fights ending in the opening round. It only took him a combined 1:54 to run through back-to-back opponents on Dana White’s Contender Series in 2022 before earning his UFC contract. Since then, he’s added two more wins, dispatching Jamie Pickett via an arm triangle choke in his promotional debut before sending Val Woodburn to the shadow realm with a 38-second KO at UFC 290.

Bo Nickal

Currently, Nickal is a massive -2100 favorite on DraftKings, meaning you would have to put $2,100 on the line to win $100. Brundage comes in at a +1100 underdog which would turn a $100 bet into $1,100 — should he pull off the upset.

The bout order for UFC 300 is as follows:

MAIN CARD (Pay-per-view, 10 p.m. ET)

  • Champion Alex Pereira vs. Jamahal Hill – UFC light heavyweight championship
  • Champion Zhang Weili vs. Yan Xiaonan – UFC women’s strawweight championship
  • Champion Justin Gaethje vs. Max Holloway – BMF title fight
  • Charles Oliveira vs. Arman Tsarukyan
  • Cody Brundage vs. Bo Nickal

PRELIMINARY CARD (ESPN/ESPN+, 6 p.m. ET)

  • Jiri Prochazka vs. Aleksandar Rakic
  • Calvin Kattar vs. Aljamain Sterling
  • Kayla Harrison vs. Holly Holm
  • Diego Lopes vs. Sodiq Yusuff
  • Renato Moicano vs. Jalin Turner
  • Jessica Andrade vs. Marina Rodriguez
  • Bobby Green vs. Jim Miller
  • Deiveson Figueiredo vs. Cody Garbrandt

Ian Garry’s wife, Layla Anna-Lee, ‘baffled’ by Jon Anik’s apology to toxic MMA fans: ‘No way I can accept this’

Ian Garry wife Layla Anna-Lee on Jon Anik apologyLayla Anna-Lee, the wife of UFC welterweight standout Ian Garry, has interjected herself into the recent drama involving longtime…

Ian Garry wife Layla Anna-Lee on Jon Anik apology

Layla Anna-Lee, the wife of UFC welterweight standout Ian Garry, has interjected herself into the recent drama involving longtime play-by-play man Jon Anik.

Following UFC 297’s contentious title tilt between Sean Strickland and Dricus Du Plessis, Anik voiced his opinion that ‘DDP’ was the rightful winner of the closely contested contest. That seemingly struck a chord with fight fans online who expressed their differing opinions in an NSFW way. That prompted Anik to deliver a viral rant, sharing his frustration over the increasingly toxic MMA fanbase. He even went so far as to suggest that those particular fans will be what ultimately drives him away from the UFC.

Anik’s words caused a massive media storm, with practically every outlet reporting on Anik’s intentions to retire soon and the fanbase’s role in his decision. That prompted Anik to apologize to fight fans on Instagram, making it clear that he was in a “heightened emotional state” and made some “regrettable comments relating to the MMA fanbase.”

 
 
 
 
 
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Ian Garry’s Wife Refuses to Accept Jon Anik’s Apology

Everyone was seemingly ready to move on following the apology, but there’s one person in particular who has refused to accept his expression of regret.

Layla Anna-Lee responded to the post and made it clear that Anik has nothing to apologize for and thus, she will not accept it.

“Baffled by the apology,” Anna-Lee wrote on the comments. “No way can I accept this. No way. You don’t have a right to an opinion now? “Free speech” is only for haters? No.”

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Anna-Lee found herself the subject of many headlines last year after it was revealed that the 40-year-old TV personality had written a book entitled How to Be a Wag. The 11-page scribe is described as a guidebook designed to teach older women how to date and marry younger celebrities and athletes.

Given that she is 14 years older than Garry, the news spread like wildfire, particularly when former middleweight champion Sean Strickland chimed in, calling her a “succubus” and a “predator.”