Welp, 2019 is here and already the UFC are making questionable decisions. Via his Twitter, Jimmy Smith has announced that the UFC has not renewed his contract as a color commentator. Smith has been a staple in the MMA world for years, so it’s a tough pill to swallow that the UFC isn’t bringing him back.
Smith was first doing announcing for Bellator and absolutely excelled at his job. He was brought over to the UFC in early 2018 and from my perspective, did a bang up job. However, Smith found himself at the FOX Studios as an analyst more often than his color commentary duties.
It’s a shame that the UFC are not bringing him back because he truly is one of the greats in the sport. However, as we’ve seen with their treatment of longtime UFC announcer, Mike Goldberg, nobody but Joe Rogan seems to be safe.
There’s no word yet on whether or not this had anything to do with the UFC’s move from FOX to ESPN, only that Smith is out.
Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end. I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show.
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 1, 2019
even your criticism because it made me strive to be better. Wishing everyone a great 2019 and on to the next fight…Adios Amigos
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 1, 2019