UFC 220 marks broadcasting debut of Bellator import Jimmy Smith

[La Paix]

Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports


That was fast.

Former Bellator commentator Jimmy Smith has been added to the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) broadcast team for this weekend's UFC 220: “Miocic vs. Ngannou” pay-per-view (PPV) event, taking place inside TD Garden Arena in Boston.

Smith — who will provide color commentary at future events — has been assigned to the FOX Sports desk in the Los Angeles studio, according to MMA Junkie, alongside Karyn Bryant, Kenny Florian and Rashad Evans.

UFC 220 marks broadcasting debut of Bellator import Jimmy Smith

 

[nuraknu]

I think it's awesome that he'll be with a bunch of vets on the desk to help him transition. Only Kenny might argue with him or something I think, but Karyn will def take care of him.

 

[Robbie Hart]

Joe jr

 

[nuraknu]

I just finally got to finish watching and watch some of the post-fight show. Of course I was right, Kenny trying to argue with Jimmy...such a peacock imo. Is that fighter bashing? Sorry.

 

[Enock-O-Lypse Now!]

List of former UFC employees/fighters Bellator has signed in the last few years?

Goldie
Big John
Phil Davis
Stitch
Rory
Rampage
Mousasi
Ryan Bader
Larkin
Thomson
Koscheck
Chael Sonnen
Roy Nelson
Frank Mir
Bonnar
Benson Henderson
Wanderlei Silva
Mitrione
Cheik Kongo

 

[member 3289]

Big John

I thought he always worked for different AC's, never the UFC?

 

[Robbie Hart]

I thought he always worked for different AC's, never the UFC?

Yeah, right?

 

[Robbie Hart]

I just finally got to finish watching and watch some of the post-fight show. Of course I was right, Kenny trying to argue with Jimmy...such a peacock imo. Is that fighter bashing? Sorry.

Yes, reported for being aggressive.....it’s gotta stop

 

[SCADA]

I thought he did well. I wasn't a fan of Big John on the Bellator broadcast though....he might just need some time to get comfortable.

 

[Clappin'Daddys]

Congrats jimmy! You’re the fucking man!

Such an easy man to listen to.

 

[ejlarson]

List of former UFC employees/fighters Bellator has signed in the last few years?

Goldie
Big John
Phil Davis
Stitch
Rory
Rampage
Mousasi
Ryan Bader
Larkin
Thomson
Koscheck
Chael Sonnen
Roy Nelson
Frank Mir
Bonnar
Benson Henderson
Wanderlei Silva
Mitrione
Cheik Kongo

Quite the list of up and comers eh?

 

[Enock-O-Lypse Now!]

Quite the list of up and comers eh?

I think its a great idea what Bellator is doing, stealing the UFC's old guard and building their product off it.

This is a proven strategy.

We look back at the rise of WCW in professional wrestling in the 90's.

They took the number #1 spot in the ratings wars for some time when they signed all the aging WWF talent.

WWF underestimated the drawing power of their old guard and the WCW was able to sign these aging stars and use their drawing power to build up their organization and get ratings.


Bellator is in a very similar situation as we speak ....hopefully they have learned from the rise and fall of WCW in professional wrestling and can correct their mistakes.


Right now Bellator can use all these old legends to help build their brand all while introducing young up and comers to their organization and the fans.