Bellator, longtime commentator Jimmy Smith part ways; UFC reportedly interested
One of Bellator's most familiar faces - or rather, voices - is no longer with the company.
Longtime color commentator Jimmy Smith and the promotion mutually agreed to part ways, according to a joint statement released Thursday:
Jimmy Smith is no longer the commentator for Bellator. Statement from both parties: pic.twitter.com/TlHaOQHKeQ
— Luke Thomas (@lthomasnews) December 28, 2017
Bellator did not detail the reasons behind the development, nor did it name a replacement, although MMA Fighting's Ariel Helwani later reported the parties could not come to terms on a new contract following the expiration of Smith's last deal. According to Helwani, the UFC is interested in his services.
A former pro fighter, the 40-year-old Smith put in nine years on the mic for Bellator, calling fights alongside play-by-play men Sean Wheelock, Sean Grande, and most recently a rotating duo of Mauro Ranallo and former UFC fixture Mike Goldberg.
The promotion is expected to reveal its new broadcasting team soon.