UFC commentator Jon Anik revealed the unique clause in his contract that could get him out of the promotion if Dana White wanted to.
Jon Anik, UFC’s lead play-by-play commentator joined the company in 2011 after a successful run at ESPN, where he was an anchor and hosted the show MMA Live, covering numerous mixed martial arts events. His impeccable presentation skills along with his partnership with fellow commentator Joe Rogan have turned him into a highly revered media member in the community.
Jon Anik talks about the unique clause in his UFC contract: Dana White won’t hesitate to get rid of me
In a recent appearance on former UFC heavyweight fighter Brendan Schaub’s Food Truck Diaries, Jon Anik revealed the special clause in his contract that could see him get kicked out of the promotion on a whim. He would not put it past company president Dana White to pull the trigger if needed.
“I do have a clause in my contract that they can fire me without cause at any time and that’s sort of unique for sports broadcasters. When I signed an ESPN contract, the whole deal is guaranteed. I’m not fearful of losing my job but I really do have my head to the pavement feeling like I have to earn it at every show. One thing I think we all know about Dana White is that if I have a few bad shows in a row, he won’t hesitate to get rid of me. I need to earn that seat.”
Anik breaks down the evolution of UFC after Conor McGregor
While Schaub believes the days of having big pay-per-view draw like the former two-division champion Conor McGregor are over, Anik suggests the contrary. He argued that there will be new stars who shine brighter than most, even if not at McGregor’s level.
“It’s always fun to me when people say that there’s never going to be another Conor McGregor. Like Paddy Pimblett is a star but nobody’s going to reach Conor’s level. I feel pretty convicted in saying that but the notion that there aren’t going to be other stars.”
McGregor has been out of action for over a year and a half and is eyeing a return to the octagon this year. Although the opponent is yet to be confirmed, fan favorites Michael Chandler, Tony Ferguson, and welterweight Jorge Masvidal have been linked to the idea of welcoming him back.
