BREAKING | Former Bellator Commentator Jimmy Smith Hired by the UFC

At the end of December, fans were shocked that Jimmy Smith and long-time employer Bellator parted ways. Although, the silver lining quickly showed itself on Monday when Smith said he’d know about his next job within the week. Sure enough, the news was released today as per an official UFC press release. Jimmy Smith just got picked up by the UFC to join the broadcast team and will be getting to work as soon as possible.

“I am honored to join the world’s premier combat sports brand in 2018. It is a privilege to call fights for a living and I can’t wait to join the tremendous UFC broadcast team to call the best fights in the world. “To the UFC fans, I am thrilled to join you for this wild ride. See you all very soon!” — Jimmy Smith via official UFC press release.

Big congrats to @JohnMcCarthyMMA on his new gig as Bellator color commentator!! Couldn’t have picked a more knowledgeable and respectful replacement for me! Wish him all the success in the world!

— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 9, 2018

“We’re very excited to have Jimmy Smith join the UFC production team and look forward to working him into a variety of different on-air talent roles. Jimmy’s extensive experience in mixed martial arts gives him a unique voice and great insight to breakdown the intricacies of our sport. We are excited to welcome him to the family.” — UFC vice-president Craig Borsari via official UFC press release.

It looks like Jimmy Smith will have a lot on his plate with the UFC taking advantage of his talents. His duties are going to include UFC broadcasts for FOX, pay-per-view events, and pre-fight programming. He’ll get put to work immediately according to an additional report by MMA Fighting’s Ariel Helwani. He’ll be reporting for desk duty for next weekend’s big UFC 220 card in Boston.

1/12/2018.