UFC Vegas 68 was originally set to take place in Seoul and is stacked with Asian fighters. The show will mark an important moment in the promotion’s history with Laura Sanko set to become the first ever female commentator of the era.
The UFC has used several commentators in the past, with Joe Rogan and Mark Goldberg the longest running team. These days Jon Anik is also a regular but the job has never before been handed to a woman in the current era.
There was a female commentator at UFC 1, but that broadcast was only watched by a handful of fans on pay per view:
View this post on Instagram
An honour
It sounds like Sanko is a real student of the sport’s history as she told UFC.com,
Taking the next step to join the UFC commentary team has been a goal of mine since I began my broadcast career. It is an honour to walk in the footprint of Kathy Long 30 years after her appearance on UFC 1. I consider it a true privilege to be part of the team that is a voice to our incredible fans, communicating the fighting art of each man and woman who steps inside the UFC octagon.
She is already a familiar face to UFC fans as Sanko regularly conducts post fight interviews and has also contributed analysis. The 40 year old also has MMA experience and went 1-0 as a professional.
She turned pro in 2013 after enjoying success on the amateur scene. But soon after winning her debut at Invicta FC 4 she got pregnant and that was the end of Sanko’s competitive career.
View this post on Instagram
More experience
Sanko has more experience than most of the UFC’s previous commentator having competed as both an amateur and a professional. Her homework this week will probably consist largely of pronouncing Korean names.
With the card moved from Seoul to the Apex Centre after the Korean Zombie suffered a shoulder injury there is a strong Asian presence. Doo Ho Choi will be returning after a two year absence to take on Kyle Nelson in a featherweight fight.
In a rare all Korean bout Seung Guk Choi faces Hyun Sung Park in the final of the Road to UFC flyweight tournament. Meanwhile Tatsuro Taira will be looking to extend his perfect professional record when he takes on Jesus Aguilar in another contest booked for 125lbs.
