Tag: laura sanko

Laura Sanko Gets Chills from UFC Talent Shavkat Rakhmonov

Laura Sanko Gets Chills from UFC Talent Shavkat RakhmonovLaura Sanko’s admiration for undefeated finisher Shavkat Rakhmonov has been one of the more entertaining stories to come out…

Laura Sanko Gets Chills from UFC Talent Shavkat Rakhmonov

Laura Sanko’s admiration for undefeated finisher Shavkat Rakhmonov has been one of the more entertaining stories to come out of the UFC in recent years.

It all started during the UFC 279 weigh-in show when Sanko exclaimed that the ‘Nomad’ gave her chills. More than her words, it was the delivery of said declaration that got everyone’s attention.

Things really started to heat up a few months later ahead of UFC 285 when Sanko appeared on the weigh-in show sporting a Kazakh Hat similar to the one Rakhomov wears to the Octagon. As Sanko curiously stroked the tail of the headwear and sang Rakhmonov’s praises, fans online went crazy, and an entire country instantly followed Sanko on Instagram.

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Asked about Sanko’s comments during the UFC 285 media day, Rakhmonov acknowledged that he had seen the clip and found it quite humorous.

“Yes, of course. I saw that video,” Rakhmonov said through a translator when asked about the viral clip. “What can I say? As a man, you always like when a woman adores you. So…” 

Sanko eventually did attempt to quell the rumors of her manufactured courtship with the welterweight star.

“Can we please address this? I don’t have a crush on the man. I like his fighting style,” Sanko said as she felt forced to clear the air. “An entire country thinks I do and I need to correct the record. Still a fan, I just don’t have a crush. The entire country of Kazakhstan is very excited about it because I got like 20,000 new followers after that day. No, I have a husband.”

Of course, that did little to kill the narrative that was already sweeping across social media.

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Laura Sanko Admits She still gets chills from shavkat rakhmonov — and nothing else

Recently, Gabriel Gonzalez — the same MMA reporter who asked ‘Nomad’ about Sanko’s comments in March 2023 — caught up with the UFC color commentator and offered up an apology for his role in perpetuating the rumors.

“I almost forgot that you were responsible for that,” Sanko told Gonzalez. “You ask one question and the whole world lights on fire. I don’t know that you owe me an apology. You don’t owe me an apology. But it was certainly, um, it was really blown out of proportion. But that’s okay — I got quite a bit of Instagram following off of it.

“And I will say this: the Kazakh fans are absolutely amazing, and I’ve kind of fallen in love with this idea of Kazakhstan and its craziness for anything Shavkat-related.”

Though things may have gotten a little blown out of proportion — as Sanko stated — the former fighter admits to still getting chills when Rakhmonov puts his skills on display inside the Octagon, and she’s certainly not the only one.

“The internet — I’m not the only one that’s getting chills, guys. I’m not the only one that’s getting chills.”

Fortunately, Sanko and Rakhmonov’s home country won’t have to wait long to see ‘Nomad’ back in action. On Saturday, December 7, the 18-0 sensation returns to action for a potential welterweight title eliminator against fast-rising Irish star Ian Machado Garry at UFC 310 in Las Vegas.

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Is Size Really Everything? Laura Sanko Thinks Length Might Be the Real Key

Is Size Really Everything? Laura Sanko Thinks Length Might Be the Real KeyLaura Sanko doesn’t see Jon Jones’ size making that much of a difference against Stipe Miocic. Length on the…

Is Size Really Everything? Laura Sanko Thinks Length Might Be the Real Key

Laura Sanko doesn’t see Jon Jones’ size making that much of a difference against Stipe Miocic. Length on the other hand is a different story.

On November 16, ‘Bones’ will put his undisputed heavyweight world title on the line for the first time when he headlines the UFC’s return to Madison Square Garden. Standing in Jones’ way of adding another successful defense to his resume will be Miocic, the promotion’s first and only two-time heavyweight titleholder.

Laura Sanko

It will be Jones’ second time competing as a heavyweight, the first coming at UFC 285 in March 2023 when he scored a quickfire submission victory over Ciryl Gane to claim the vacated crown. ‘Bones’ weighed 248-pounds for that bout. If he tips the scales similarly for Saturday’s scrap in NYC, he’ll likely have a slight size advantage over Miocic who usually weighs in at 230-240.

However, Jones’ real advantage will be with his length. At least, that’s what color commentary Laura Sanko thinks.

“Yeah, I always tell people, size isn’t as big of an advantage as you think it is… but length is,” Sanko told Din Thomas while the two broke down the UFC 309 headliner.

Jones’ reach measures at 84.5 inches which is the second-longest in the UFC.

Din Thomas Agrees with Laura Sanko’s assessment of Size vs. Length

Din Thomas agreed with Sanko’s statement, suggesting that if Miocic has any chance of winning, it’ll be by making the most of his 80-inch reach via distance management and keeping ‘Bones’ at bay with combinations.

“It’s a huge advantage,” Thomas added. “And this is why I’m saying Stipe is gonna have to do his job on his feet because he can cover up some of that distance in and out, side to side, creating angles, seeing if he can catch Jon slipping. I mean, he’s gonna have to. And he’s gonna have to throw in combinations. But I think he’s got a skill set that ages well, as long as he’s been active and moving his body.”

Laura Sanko

Sanko also pointed out that Jon Jones has fought someone similarly statured on two separate occasions, given us a potential indicator of how ‘Bones’ could handle his matchup against Miocic.

“I agree,” Sanko said. “And part of that is because this is the fight where the length that you’re talking about is the least pronounced. Stipe is taller and longer than Alexander Gustafsson, and that’s the closest one to it. Alex Gustafsson is 6’5,” Stipe 6’6.”

Laura Sanko

Laura Sanko is Excited to See Jon Jones’ New Tools in The Octagon at UFC 309 – “Give A Little Wink!”

Laura Sanko is Excited to See Jon Jones' New Tools in The Octagon at UFC 309 - "Give A Little Wink!"Laura Sanko is really excited by the prospect of seeing Jon Jones throw 12-to-6 elbows inside the Octagon. When…

Laura Sanko is Excited to See Jon Jones' New Tools in The Octagon at UFC 309 - "Give A Little Wink!"

Laura Sanko is really excited by the prospect of seeing Jon Jones throw 12-to-6 elbows inside the Octagon.

When ‘Bones’ puts his undisputed heavyweight title on the line for the first time this Saturday night in Madison Square Garden, it will come 15 days removed from a new revision of the Unified Rules of MMA that now allows fighters to utilize the previously banned elbowing maneuver.

Jones, of course, suffered the first and only loss of his career against Matt Hamill after he was infamously disqualified for throwing 12-to-6 elbows while in the mount.

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With them now being fair game, Jones is excited to throw a few against two-time titleholder Stipe Miocic — and Sanko can’t wait to see it either.

“How soon into the fight… we should do like a little over-under prop bet here,” Sanko said. “How soon into the fight are we gonna see the old 12-to-6 elbow?”

“I just want him to throw it, and then like… yeah, and give a little wink!” Sanko added.

Din Thomas concurred.

“Yeah, he’s got to,” Thomas added. “If he throws it, he’s gotta do like a pro wrestling gesture—like a, woo, woo, woo! Something. Wind it up and do it! Something like that.”

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Jon jones has been training to use 12-to-6 elbows ‘extensively’

Speaking with Kevin Iole ahead of his return to the Octagon, ‘Bones’ made it clear that he plans to put his 12-to-6 elbows on full display and become one of the first to do so inside the world’s most famous arena.

“I’ve been training extensively on different 12-to-6 elbow attacks. It’s funny because it’s been such a big no-no move, and so you train yourself not to go there. Now, to be able to use that strike — I mean, it’s a very devastating strike. It just opens up so many more options, both on the feet and in the top position.

“I’m excited to hopefully be one of the first UFC athletes to legally display it at Madison Square Garden.”

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Laura Sanko’s Sharp Comeback to Fan’s NSFW Remark: ‘The H*?’

Laura Sanko’s Sharp Comeback to Fan’s NSFW Remark: 'The H*?'Laura Sanko hilariously snapped back at a fan who made a not-so-savory remark about her on social media. In…

Laura Sanko’s Sharp Comeback to Fan’s NSFW Remark: 'The H*?'

Laura Sanko hilariously snapped back at a fan who made a not-so-savory remark about her on social media.

In an Instagram threat discussing Sanko’s rise up the ranks from backstage reporter to color commentator, one fan insisted that the former fighter deserved more opportunities at the commentary table — specifically on pay-per-views.

“It is absolutely criminal that Laura Sanko has only commentated one PPV, a year ago,” @filippogiardina wrote. “She’s fresh air.”

Laura Sanko

While most of the comments were positive, there was one user who made an inappropriate remark that ended up getting the attention of Sanko.

“[Laura Sanko] infinite times better than the h* last night.”

Sanko quickly snapped back.

“The h* last night? You mean me??” Sanko responded.

Laura Sanko

Ex-Fighter Jamie Varner Accused Laura Sanko of ‘Ruining the fights’ with her commentary

Of course, randoms on Instagram aren’t the only ones who have ripped Sanko’s work on commentary. In 2001, ex-WEC lightweight champion Jamie Varner accused Sanko of “ruining the fights” and suggested that a female fighter more along the lines of Holly Holm would be better suited for the role.

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Never one to turn the other cheek, Sanko delivered a lengthy reply to Varner’s criticism, reminding him of a time when they both fought on a Titan FC card.

“@jamievarner you and I actually fought on the same card in 2011 for Titan FC,” she wrote on X. “We warmed up next to each other in the basement of the Memorial Hall building in KCK. My best friend braided your hair because you couldn’t find anyone to do it. I remember thinking how cool it was at the time to be on a card with you. I had followed your career in the WEC and was a little star struck to be honest.

“It’s ok that you don’t like my commentary, but respectfully, I’ve been a part of this game and training since 2006. I’m a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu and while I can’t compare my career to yours I have in fact fought. And if UFC had a 105 division I would have fought a lot longer.”

Laura Sanko

UFC Commentator Feels The Delayed Start Time Of UFC 304 Will Not Affect Fighters Or Fans

UFC commentator Laura Sanko recently assured that the postponed start time for UFC 304 would have minimal impact on both the fighters and the fans in the United Kingdom. The eighth numbered UFC pay-per-view event of 2024 is just around the corner, set to unfold this Saturday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. The […]

Continue Reading UFC Commentator Feels The Delayed Start Time Of UFC 304 Will Not Affect Fighters Or Fans at MMA News.

UFC commentator Laura Sanko recently assured that the postponed start time for UFC 304 would have minimal impact on both the fighters and the fans in the United Kingdom.

The eighth numbered UFC pay-per-view event of 2024 is just around the corner, set to unfold this Saturday at the Co-op Live arena in Manchester. The card will feature two headline title fights, both of which are eagerly anticipated rematches.

In the main event, UFC welterweight champion Leon Edwards will defend his title against Belal Muhammad. Meanwhile, the co-main event will see interim heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall clash with Curtis Blaydes.

Since the announcement of the UFC 304 schedule, a storm of controversy and fan uproar has erupted over the decision to start the fight card at typical United States times, even though the event is taking place in the United Kingdom.

The event broadcast is set to begin at 11 PM BST on Saturday, July 27. Consequently, the headlining fighters are expected to make their Octagon walkouts between 5:00 and 5:15 AM the following morning. Meanwhile, in the U.S., the fight card will kick off at approximately 6 PM ET / 3 PM PT on Saturday afternoon, with the main card slated to start around 8 PM ET / 5 PM PT.

However, UFC’s first female color commentator believes that the late-night and early-morning schedule will neither hinder the fighters nor deter the viewers…

Sanko Believes UFC 304 Excitement Will Keep Fans Hooked

During a recent interview with MMAFightingonSBN, Sanko, who will be fulfilling her role as a desk analyst for UFC 304, offered her insights on the pay-per-view broadcast schedule. She acknowledged that while the schedule is less than ideal for the fans, it ultimately won’t matter much on fight night, given the high anticipation surrounding the card.

“It’s unfortunate for the fans, but I think when that day comes, it’s not gonna matter for the fans or for the athletes,” Sanko said. “I think the energy is going to be so off-the-charts it’s not going to matter if you’re a fan and trust me; you’re going to be able to soldier through because the action from these fights is going to be enough to keep you going, hopefully.”

The UFC broadcaster further noted that the last PPV event in Manchester, UFC 204 in October 2016, also followed a similar schedule. She emphasized that the real challenge for fighters lies in preparing for the late-night bouts rather than the timing of the event itself.

“Here’s my one tip: just don’t start drinking too early. That’s going to be the downfall of at least a certain proportion of this fan base. But I think for the fighters, you know, Leon Edwards actually had this exact same situation when he fought on Michael Bisping’s card, where he had his huge win over Dan Henderson in Manchester. So he’s familiar with it, and he said the same thing.

He said, ‘Listen, it didn’t matter. The moment I walked out to that arena, it could have been 2 o’clock in the afternoon, it could have been 2 o’clock in the morning, I wouldn’t have known the difference. I was headed into a fight.’ So I think it sucks probably more in the lead-up, the preparation, stressing about it, stressing about how it might affect you. But I think when the time comes, these guys are just going to do their job.”

Both Aspinall and Blaydes have voiced their grievances about the absurd fight timings, but the MMA promotion remains steadfast in its decision. Meanwhile, “Rocky” has reportedly gone so far as to hire a sleep specialist to help him adjust to the unconventional schedule.

Continue Reading UFC Commentator Feels The Delayed Start Time Of UFC 304 Will Not Affect Fighters Or Fans at MMA News.

Laura Sanko busts her buttons calling fight ‘I literally broke the button on my pants’

Laura Sanko set for commentary duty at UFC 293 PPV debutUFC commentator Laura Sankos busted the buttons off her pants while calling fights at UFC Vegas 94. Sanko was…

Laura Sanko set for commentary duty at UFC 293 PPV debut

UFC commentator Laura Sankos busted the buttons off her pants while calling fights at UFC Vegas 94.

Sanko was one of the three commentators, and during Hyder Amil’s 65-second knockout win over Jeong Yeong Lee, Sanko got so excited during the thrilling action that the button of her pants broke off. She showed the moment it happened in a funny Instagram video.

“Anyone else break their pants last night? That main card was CRAZY good!! @hurricane_415 is a gangster!,” Laura Sanko wrote on Instagram.

It was a good moment from Sanko who was joking about it throughout the night, as it was a great performance from Amil to remain undefeated and pull off the upset win.

Laura Sanko takes aim at Jamie Varner after controversial comments

Laura Sanko became the first female to call UFC fights in the modern era, and although many fans like her on the mic, former fighter Jamie Varner was not a fan of her.

Varner deleted the tweets, but in a pair of tweets, he criticized Sanko saying she sucks at commentary and is ruining fights as she doesn’t know what she is talking about. Varner also said a female UFC fighter who is knowledgeable should be the commentator and after those comments, Sanko took to social media to blast Varner.

“@jamievarner you and I actually fought on the same card in 2011 for Titan FC. We warmed up next to each other in the basement of the Memorial Hall building in KCK. My best friend braided your hair because you couldn’t find anyone to do it. I remember thinking how cool it was at the time to be on a card with you.

“I had followed your career in the WEC and was a a little star struck to be honest. It’s ok that you don’t like my commentary, but respectfully, I’ve been a part of this game and training since 2006. I’m a brown belt in Jiu Jitsu and while I can’t compare my career to yours I have in fact fought. And if ufc had a 105 division I would have fought a lot longer,” Sanko wrote.

It was a good response from Sanko who continues to commentate Fight Night events and will continue to do so.