Longtime UFC play-by-play announcer Jon Anik has served in that role within the fight promotion for over a decade. But recently, Anik admitted that he may be stepping away from the sports sooner rather than later. And now, we may know one determining factor as to why.
Earlier this year, Anik voiced his frustrations with the fans of the UFC, saying that he is “growing tired” of the MMA space due to the negativity from fans when it comes to the results of close fights.
Anik went as far as to say that he could opt to leave the MMA space entirely by 2026, adding that he has “had it” with the community.
It’s an understandable gripe from Anik. Receiving criticism because of who you thought won or lost a fight, which is entirely up for interpretation most of the time, is a bit silly.
But in a recent appearance on the Show Me The Money podcast, Anik revealed that there may be another reason for wanting to leave his current role with the UFC.
Anik admitted that he is a frequent bettor on numerous sports. But his role with the UFC means that he cannot bet on combat sports, which would obviously change once he eventually leaves his broadcasting job with the company.
“No, I cannot bet,” said Anik when asked by UFC fighter Gilbert Burns. “I remember when I first started with the UFC we signed a document saying you can’t bet on the UFC. That later expanded to all of MMA and boxing. I bet on everything that I don’t have to sign a document not to. I have bet on sports every day since probably before you were born. There is nothing like betting the NFL. I would say, I can’t wait to retire and bet on the UFC. The day after I retire I will be betting on the UFC, recklessly and probably at a deficit.”
Anik went on to say that over the course of his entire betting history, he believes that he is “pretty close to even”, and that he doesn’t “gamble beyond his means” which is obviously great to hear.
The long-time play-by-play man has shown over the years that he certainly has one of the most intelligent minds for the sport of MMA of anybody. So it’s fairly understandable for Anik to want to bet on the UFC once his time with the company does come to an end.
That being said, Anik clearly does have an interest in many other sports outside of the combat sports realm. If he does leave the UFC in favor of covering another sport, he would then not be able to gamble on said sport. So maybe a job for Anik outside of the sports realm, or perhaps a job on a sports gambling show would perhaps suit him better.
About Reice Shipley
Reice Shipley is a staff writer for Comeback Media that graduated from Ithaca College with a degree in Sports Media. He previously worked at Barrett Sports Media and is a fan of all things Syracuse sports.