MMA
Top 10 UFC Commentators Ever
The UFC has seen some legendary voices that have become as iconic as the fighters themselves. At the top is Joe Rogan, whose enthusiasm and deep knowledge have made him the gold standard of UFC commentary. Find out who else makes the top 10 list.
UFC commentators Jon Anik, Daniel Cormier, and Joe Rogan//Getty Images
Over its 30-year, history the UFC has seen many unique commentators and expert analysts on the mic during their live broadcasts. With icons of the industry such as Joe Rogan and Mike Goldberg, here we rank the top 10 best UFC commentators ever!
10. John Gooden
John Gooden and Dan Hardy//Getty
John Gooden has been a play-by-play commentator for the UFC since 2014. Originally drafted in to partner up Dan Hardy for the European-based shows, Gooden quickly made a name for himself because of his excellent deliverance of fighter narratives. Over the years, he has grown into the role and now calls events in the US and on Fight Island in the Middle East.
9. Brian Stann
Brian Stann//Getty
The former UFC fighter and marine served as a co-commentator and analyst between 2012 and 2017. Stann gave great insight into fighters' backgrounds and how fights developed during the action. His style of commentary was highly analytical.
8. Paul Felder
Paul Felder//Getty
Paul Felder, the former UFC lightweight contender, is often partnered with Jon Anik, Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier or Dominick Cruz. As a co-commentator, Felder provides a good explanation of what fighters are doing and why, thus helping any new fans of the sport understand what is going on. Felder loves to watch brutal fights, much like how he used to love being involved in bloody battles when he was a fighter.
7. Kenny Florian
Karyn Bryant, Kenny Florian, Dominick Cruz, and Megan Olivi//Getty
When Kenny Florian used to fight in the UFC, “Ken Flo” was known for his smartness and fight IQ so it came as no surprise when he became an analyst and co-commentator for the company back in 2012.
He would provide the audience with expert analysis without trying to confuse people too much; the calm and clear deliverance in his explanations made people like him being in the broadcast booth.
6. Dan Hardy
Dan Hardy//Getty
The Englishman served as a UFC co-commentator and analyst between 2012 and 2021. Whilst he would appear on European broadcasts alongside John Gooden, the pair would also be involved in a UFC show where Hardy would break down big upcoming fights in immaculate detail.
To this day, Hardy still does analysis work on his own YouTube channel as well as for the PFL.
5. Daniel Cormier
Daniel Cormier//Getty
The former UFC light-heavyweight and heavyweight champion of the world, Daniel Cormier transitioned into a full-time co-commentator role after his retirement. He has worked on the broadcasts since 2018 and now he is one of the main analysts for pay-per-view events.
With Cormier being a former elite wrestler, he is able to give excellent insight into wrestling techniques and exchanges.
Another thing's for certain, if Cormier is on commentary, you are always guaranteed a laugh with some of the lines and reactions he comes up with.
4. Dominick Cruz
Dominick Cruz//Getty
While many may not agree with Dominick Cruz being above Daniel Cormier on this list, I think “The Dominator” is one of the most cerebral fighters to ever grace the sport of mixed martial arts, and it's quite easy to see why when you hear his expert analysis and commentary.
The first-ever UFC bantamweight champion still officially competes in the sport despite not fighting since 2022. He has been speaking through the microphone since 2016.
3. Jon Anik
Jon Anik//Getty
Jon Anik had huge shoes to fill back in 2016 when he became more of a full-time play-by-play commentator for the UFC upon the departure of Mike Goldberg. But it's fair to say he filled the void with ease.
Anik's excellent delivery and timing of his lines often gets praised by fans. His ability to stay unbiased while describing it as he sees it is why he is beloved by UFC fighters and fans.
2. Mike Goldberg
Mike Goldberg//Getty
Mike Goldberg was a UFC play-by-play commentator from 1997 all the way up to 2016 and it's fair to say he was part of the company's growth. His excellent commentating skills and his chemistry with Joe Rogan on the mic was just so natural to listen to: no interaction ever felt forced.
Goldberg's legendary phrase, “and it is all over!”, has bore witness to some unbelievable knockouts over his nearly two-decade career with the UFC.
1. Joe Rogan
Daniel Carmier, Joe Rogan, and Jon Anik//Getty
Joe Rogan has been involved in the UFC pretty much since Dana White has been involved in the organisation. Rogan's expert knowledge of several fighting styles is the reason why he is so articulate when it comes to breaking down fights and analysing the ongoing bout for viewers back home.
Similar to Daniel Cormier, Rogan's personality comes through when he's on the mic which is why the audience is always guaranteed a chuckle if he's on the broadcast team.
Jake Staniland is a sports writer who excels in covering a wide range of sports: football, combat sports and the NFL - All three subjects are his lifelong passions.
Jake is a boyhood Sheffield United fan, which is often a curse that he thanks his family for. His favourite Blades player ever is Billy Sharp