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:
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.
HEADLINES
- Lamar, Burrow combine for 8 TDs as Ravens hold off Bengals in thriller
- Ravens' Hamilton sprains ankle in win over Bengals
- Brunette more concerned by Preds' play than record: Standard not 'upheld'
- Kings' Jeannot ejected for high hit, Canucks' Boeser exits game
- Jets blank Avalanche, become 2nd team ever to start 13-1