Jim Ross Prepares For MMA Broadcasting Debut

Longtime WWE commentator Jim Ross, known as J.R. for short, is gearing up for his debut into the world of Mixed Martial Arts commentating.

JR was released from his contract by the WWE over a year ago, and has made public his desire to call MMA fights.

BattleGrounds MMA gave Ross the opportunity, and invited him to call the event along with none other than the American Gangster himself…Chael P Sonnen.

JR spoke on The MMA Hour about commentating an MMA event.

“The folks at BattleGrounds are Oklahoma-based guys. They contacted me and asked if I had an interest. I think they followed me on Twitter and know I have an interest in a lot of things. Doing play-by-play of an MMA event was a bucket list thing for me. It’s a new challenge, a new gig, a new opportunity. We were able to work it out. I suggested, I thought Chael would be a great partner. I’ve worked with a lot of explosive, controversial broadcasters in my day, including former Gov. Jesse Ventura, Jerry Lawler, Paul Heyman and many others. It felt right. I felt we’d have good chemistry. I don’t know. It may be a train wreck, but I assure you, it won’t be boring.”

“I’m a story teller and Chael’s the expert. I’m the point guard. I’ll ask questions and call the action. I’m not taking it for granted, but I think that I’m mentally ready to do it. I’m a big fan. I watch hours and hours of MMA. When you come from my background as a broadcaster, I listen intently to everyone, the UFC guys, I’m a big fan of Mauro Ranallo from Strikeforce, I listen to everybody and that will be good.”

By Evan Stoumbelis