MMA Commentator Jimmy Smith Announces That UFC Declined To Re-Sign Him

UFC Declines To Renew Veteran Commentator Jimmy Smith’s Contract

MMA commentator Jimmy Smith part ways with Bellator last year and signed with Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) earlier this year with the support of longtime UFC commentator Joe Rogan to take part in a variety of roles like FOX Sports, pay-per-view (PPV) events and pre-fight programming. Now it appears Smith’s tenure with UFC, a biggest MMA outlet in the world is over.

Many in fact, expected Smith would take over the role of Joe Rogan who has reduced his schedule to just North American based PPV events only as he’s pursuing other projects as well focusing on his famous Joe Rogan Experience Podcast.

Last month ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported that Jimmy Smith would be a free agent starting 2019. Now Smith itself confirmed the news via social media saying that UFC has declined to re-sign him.

“Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end,” Smith said. “I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show.

I tried my utmost to show the fighters the respect they deserved for giving their lives to this sport and hope they felt that when they heard what I had to say. The UFC fans were truly amazing and I wish I could thank each and every one of you for your support and even your criticism because it made me strive to be better. Wishing everyone a great 2019 and on to the next fight…Adios Amigos.”

Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end. I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show.

— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 1, 2019

even your criticism because it made me strive to be better. Wishing everyone a great 2019 and on to the next fight…Adios Amigos

— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 1, 2019

UFC has added a former middleweight champion Michael Bisping to it’s cageside commentating team starting 2019 as promotion made a five-year broadcast contract with ESPN. Smith’s UFC On Fox team Karyn Bryant and Megan Olivi will continue to work with the promotion.

Jimmy Smith can return to Bellator commentary team with the likes of “Big” John McCarthy, Chael Sonnen, Mike Goldberg, and Mauro Ranallo. Moreover, he could also join RIZIN broadcast team like Frank Trigg and “Showdown” Joe Ferrero. Not only that Smith can also find his way to join Mitch Chilson, Michael Schiavello and Miesha Tate at ONE Championship.

Share your thoughts which MMA outlet Jimmy Smith will join?