When UFC 293 visits Sydney on Sunday, UFC broadcaster Laura Sanko will create history by being the first female color commentator to announce a UFC pay-per-view in the organization’s contemporary period. The 40-year-old former professional MMA fighter has contributed to UFC broadcasts since 2016 by serving as a backstage reporter and as a member of the commentary crew for Dana White’s Contender Series. Scroll down to read Meet glamorous ex-pro MMA fighter Laura Sanko at PPV.
Meet glamorous ex-pro MMA fighter Laura Sanko at PPV
Sanko called her first official event earlier this year at Fight Night 281 in Las Vegas and describes her role as a color commentator for a pay-per-view event in Sydney as a “dream come true.”
She said on Twitter on Tuesday morning, ‘I’m honored to join the commentary crew for UFC 293 with @jon_anik and @dc_mma. Dream realized. Like the majority of people reading this, I was a fan long before I became an MMA analyst or competitor. Nearly 20 years later, I’m here and thrilled to play a little role in introducing our fantastic fan base to the fighting style of these incredible sportsmen. Awaiting you in Sydney.”
In addition to former two-division champion Daniel Cormier and UFC Hall of Famer Jon Anik, Sanko will serve as the main cage-side commentator.
At the event, Megan Olivi will serve as a roaming reporter, while Din Thomas, a former UFC fighter, will participate as an in-fight analyst all day.
Sanko faced Cassie Rob in his professional debut at Invicta FC 4 in 2013 and defeated her by submission in the second round. She briefly stopped battling for personal reasons and subsequently went back to the site to speak with the warriors. Dana White, the head of the UFC, expressed his delight when Sanko announced her first official event in Las Vegas earlier this year.
Sanko criticized some who said she had obtained her position due to her appearance in 2022. On Blockasset’s BLOCK party podcast, Sanko claimed, “There is a whole contingent out there that thinks I got this job in some unsavory and scandalous way. I’ll make sure you know that wasn’t how it went down. But it does help that the Anthony Smiths, Rashad Evans, Michael Bisping, Paul Felders, and Daniel Cormier of the world sit next to me because I believe people can feel they have a certain degree of respect for me and the fans should too. I owe a lot to my male coworkers for clearing a seat at the table for me.”
