Laura Sanko will be part of the commentary team for UFC 321, joining Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier at Etihad Arena on October 25, 2025. The event takes place on Fight Island in Abu Dhabi and will be headlined by heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall defending his title against Ciryl Gane.
Sanko’s appearance will mark her return to a pay-per-view broadcast booth, filling in for Joe Rogan, who does not travel for international UFC events. Rogan typically limits his commentary duties to U.S.-based cards, leaving this overseas broadcast in the hands of the Anik-Cormier-Sanko trio.
Sanko Says She Feels Pressure To Perform
Speaking to reporter Mike Bohn, Sanko said she is both excited and nervous about the opportunity to call such a high-profile event.
“I had the one pay-per-view two years ago and I was really happy with how that went,” Sanko said. “The reception was good. But I know that every time I do a pay-per-view, there’s a whole audience that isn’t used to hearing me, that only watches pay-per-views. And so there’s a lot of pressure to do it right and to do my best.”
The former fighter added that she takes her role seriously and prepares extensively before every broadcast.
“And I will always do my best and always do my homework, but it’s really the only time I get nervous anymore, because I realize how important it is to represent, to do a good job in those big spots,” Sanko added. “It will be great. It’s a group I’m very familiar with and I know the flow will be good. I just gotta nail it as best I can.”
From Fighter To Broadcaster
Sanko began her broadcasting journey with Dana White’s Contender Series, later moving on to Fight Night cards and now pay-per-view events. Her in-depth understanding of the sport and her calm, analytical approach have earned her respect within the MMA community.
Before transitioning into commentary, Sanko competed professionally, giving her firsthand experience of what happens inside the cage. That background has made her insights especially valuable to fans and fighters alike.
Sanko continues to break new ground for women in combat sports broadcasting. While some parts of the MMA fanbase have been slow to embrace change, her professionalism and consistent performance have made her one of the most trusted voices in the UFC.
The UFC 321 lineup will also feature a new strawweight queen being crowned, as Virna Jandiroba faces Mackenzie Dern in the co-main attraction. The bout will determine the division’s next titleholder after Zhang Weili decided to leave the weight class and continue her career at flyweight.
Because the event takes place in Abu Dhabi, fight fans can expect an earlier viewing schedule. The preliminary card begins at 10 a.m. Eastern Time, followed by the main pay-per-view lineup at 2 p.m. ET.
As the fighters prepare for action, Sanko focuses on her role behind the microphone, studying matchups and refining her commentary style to match the energy of a global pay-per-view broadcast.
For Sanko, this event is more than just another broadcast assignment. It represents a key step in her growth as a commentator and a chance to prove that her voice belongs on one of the biggest stages in mixed martial arts.
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