The Bellator MMA broadcast team continues to grow in 2018.
Round and round they go, where they stop, no one knows. That’s pretty much the feel of the MMA broadcasting world right now. Bellator recently parted ways with Jimmy Smith, who was then picked up by the UFC. In Smith’s place, the promotion hired on ref Big John McCarthy, the most legendary ref in the game. Now, they’ve also picked up Jay Glazer — who has anchored the desk at Fox Sports for UFC events.
The company announced the news in a press release Tuesday.
“I’m excited to welcome Jay Glazer to the Bellator family,” Bellator President Scott Coker was quoted as saying in Tuesday’s announcement. “Jay’s knowledge and experience in sports television speaks for itself and he will be a great addition to our incredible broadcast team. As Bellator moves to Paramount Network, I look forward to having him involved with some of the biggest fights of the year.”
Glazer, meanwhile, added that “I have always had a tremendous passion for MMA, where the relationships you develop are unlike any other sport.” The release continued with him saying that “I am very fortunate to be able to continue these relationships with an incredible organization like Bellator. I’ve been friends with Scott for many years, and am ecstatic that he brought me into the Bellator family.”
This is an interesting move for Bellator, who pick up a broadcaster best known as an NFL Insider. In recent years, however, he also picked up hosting duties with the UFC — but those appearances were dwindling of late.
Glazer’s primary role as NFL Insider with FOX NFL Sunday will not change as part of the deal. He also has a recurring role on HBO’s Ballers, alongside Dwayne ‘The Rock’ Johnson.
Bellator 192 takes place Saturday, January 20 at The Forum in Los Angeles, CA. The Bellator World Heavyweight Grand Prix 2018 bout between Chael Sonnen and Rampage Jackson was recently promoted to the main event. That decision dropped the welterweight title fight between champ Douglas Lima and Rory MacDonald to co-main event status.
