Tag: 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.

Laura Sanko

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.

MMA News Today: UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler, McGregor Involved In Social Media Throwdown, UFC Commentator Feels Michael ‘Venom’ Page Displayed ‘Lack Of Depth’ In Loss To Ian Garry, & More

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at: Top UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor Engage In Social Media Crossfire Some of the top names in the UFC’s lightweight division have been exchanging blows on […]

Continue Reading MMA News Today: UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler, McGregor Involved In Social Media Throwdown, UFC Commentator Feels Michael ‘Venom’ Page Displayed ‘Lack Of Depth’ In Loss To Ian Garry, & More at MMA News.

Welcome to MMA News Today, a daily feature running down the most interesting stories in the world of mixed martial arts. For July 2, 2024, we’re taking a look at:

  • Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor all trade shots
  • Sanko says “MVP” needs the right dance partner
  • Cejudo still has Pereira grappling concerns

Top UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler & McGregor Engage In Social Media Crossfire

Some of the top names in the UFC’s lightweight division have been exchanging blows on social media with Islam Makhachev, Dustin Poirier and Michael Chandler all letting their feelings about one another be known.

The conversation was sparked by a post from Poirier where he said if Arman Tsarukyan is unable to fight for the lightweight title, he would be happy to jump back in with Makhachev following their fight at UFC 302.

“The Diamond” had also been firing back at Conor McGregor in response to the recent social media posts that were made by “The Notorious” in reference to their previous encounters.

Makhachev replied to Poirier’s message, as did fellow top lightweight Chandler who then also went back-and-forth with the lightweight champion due to their history inside the Octagon.

The full series of crossfire posts shows that there is no love lost between any of the four lightweights.

Laura Sanko Says Michael ‘Venom’ Page Needs The Right Match-Up After UFC 303 Defeat

Michael “Venom” Page was defeated by Ian Garry at UFC 303 after the Irishman used his grappling to secure the victory.

Whilst Page had some strong moments on the feet, he was taken down and out-grappled by one of the welterweight contenders who isn’t known for this particular skill set.

UFC commentator Laura Sanko spoke in an interview with Submission Radio about how this fight showed some of the flaws in Page’s game.

She said that whilst there are still plenty of options for “MVP” in the UFC, it needs to be against the right opponent after what we saw this past weekend.

“Yeah, he definitely showed a little bit of lack of depth in terms of the details of the ground game and I think anybody that really appreciates the fine art of jiu-jitsu is going to spot those.

“There are still plenty of really interesting, fun fights for MVP on the UFC roster. The truth of the matter is he needs the right stylistic match-up.”

Henry Cejudo Says The Jury Is Still Out On Alex Pereira And His Grappling

Former UFC champ-champ Henry Cejudo isn’t ready to start calling Alex Pereira the best in the world right now due to one concern.

“Triple C” spoke on his Pound 4 Pound podcast about how “Poatan” is still yet to face an elite grappler that will be able to take him out of his comfort zone.

Despite being able to deal with other strikers in emphatic fashion, as he did in the main event of UFC 303, a huge test awaits him in Magomed Ankalaev.

Cejudo also referred to the fact that Pereira is yet to mention a potential super fight with the heavyweight champion Jon Jones because of the wrestling pedigree that “Bones” brings to the table.

“Either way, Alex Pereira, he’s not mentioning Jon Jones because I think he knows that Jon Jones has that special sauce, and it’s called wrestling. But that being said, I want to see the fight with Ankalaev.”

Read more on the story here.

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Continue Reading MMA News Today: UFC Lightweights Makhachev, Poirier, Chandler, McGregor Involved In Social Media Throwdown, UFC Commentator Feels Michael ‘Venom’ Page Displayed ‘Lack Of Depth’ In Loss To Ian Garry, & More at MMA News.

UFC star Daniel Cormier quits NCAA wrestling commentary gig amid fan backlash: ‘Guys, I’m out’

Daniel Cormier set to quit NCAA commentary gig amid backlash from fans Guys I'm outAfter being ridiculed online for his NCAA wrestling commentary, Daniel Cormier has decided to hang up the gloves and…

Daniel Cormier set to quit NCAA commentary gig amid backlash from fans Guys I'm out

After being ridiculed online for his NCAA wrestling commentary, Daniel Cormier has decided to hang up the gloves and says he will not be returning in the future to commentate.

A decorated wrestler and former UFC double champion, one would expect Cormier to be a perfect fit as an NCAA wrestling commentator. However, many fans blasted ‘DC’ online for his performance on the mic, and this, combined with other factors, would seemingly be the breaking point for the former double champ.

Daniel Cormier hits out at Nate Diaz over UFC 306 return feud we're not in the same stratosphere
Mandatory Credit: Zuffa LLC

“DC is painful,” one wrestling fan wrote on the social media site X, formerly known as Twitter. “He has no professionalism on the mic to the point of it being ridiculous.”

Cormier would eventually respond, with not one, but two posts. “You guys have it.” he began. “I am out sorry to ruin your experience! You know I don’t ask to do this. Very important people ask me to do it. Anyhow carry on, my friend, I am out. Back to the minor leagues for me.”

Daniel Cormier Resigns from his NCAA Wrestling Commentary Gig on X, After Being Bashed by Fans

“Guys, I’m out,” Cormier continued. “This will be my last time doing the NCAA tournament. Continue to do things the same way and stay wrestling that hasn’t changed since the 40’s. I told the general public to watch, (and) a guy told me he’d rather tear his eyes out than watch. So enjoy. I’ll finish tonight, and I’m out!”

Another fan chimed in that Daniel Cormier also receives a lot of hate due to his UFC commentary, and he had a slightly different retort, stating that he gets paid a lot to do what he does for the UFC.

A Brief Look at Another Commentator who recently Came under fire

MMA fans seem to never fail to find a commentator to criticize. After the UFC event last Saturday, on March 23rd, a female commentator named Laura Sanko was criticized by a former MMA fighter named Jamie Varner. Varner claimed that Sanko had no idea what she was talking about, as she was never a fighter and needed to “stay in her lane”. However, he ended up making himself look very foolish, as Sanko had not only actually trained before, but she had also fought on the same fight card as Varner back in 2011 for Titan FC.

Jamie Varner Laura Sanko UFC on ESPN 53 tweet 1

Jamie Varner Laura Sanko UFC on ESPN 53 tweet 2

Unlike the Daniel Cormier situation, fans came to Sanko’s aid and defended her honor, blasting Varner for his lackluster career and ignorant comments. Unfortunately, this type of behavior is nothing new for Varner. He last gained notoriety for launching a tirade on Twitter after the Super Bowl, claiming that the NFL was rigged.

Do you think some of the hate that commentators like Daniel Cormier and Laura Sanko receive is unfair?