Meet glamorous ex-MMA fighter Laura Sanko who is about to make history in the UFC

UFC broadcaster Laura Sanko will make history next week at Fight Night 281 by becoming the first female colour commentator to call an official event in the organisation’s modern era.

The former professional MMA fighter, 40, has been a part of UFC broadcasts since 2016 – working as a reporter backstage and working with the commentary team on Dana White‘s Contender Series. 

Laura Sanko (pictured) will make history next week at Fight Night 281 by becoming the first female colour commentator to call an official event in the modern UFC era

The former pro MMA fighter, 40, has been a part of UFC broadcasts since 2016 – working as a reporter backstage and working with the commentary team on Dana White’s Contender Series

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‘Taking the next step to join the UFC commentary team has been a goal of mine since I began my broadcast career,’ Sanko said in a press release.

‘It is an honour to walk in the footprint of Kathy Long 30 years after her appearance on UFC 1. I consider it a true privilege to be part of the team that is a voice to our incredible fans, communicating the fighting art of each man and woman who steps inside the UFC Octagon.’ 

Sanko debuted as a professional fighter in 2013 at Invicta FC 4 against Cassie Rob and won via submission in the second round.

She stopped fighting shortly afterwards for family reasons, before later returning to the scene to interview fighters.

Sanko (pictured with Dan Hellie and Michael Bisping) has long hoped to join the broadcast team beside the octagon, and UFC boss Dana White is excited to have her make her debut

Sanko has long hoped to join the broadcast team beside the octagon, and UFC boss Dana White is excited to have her make her debut in Las Vegas.

‘I can’t think of anyone better to be the first female color commentator for the modern UFC era than Laura,’ said White. ‘She has worked incredibly hard to prove herself and get to this position and I couldn’t be prouder to have her calling the action.’

In 2022, Sanko slammed critics who claimed she only got her job because of her looks.

‘There is a whole contingent of people out there that think I got this job in some untoward and scandalous way,’ Sanko said on Blockasset’s BLOCK party podcast.

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In 2022, Sanko (pictured with UFC boss Dana White) slammed critics who claimed she only got her job because of her looks

‘I can assure you that’s not how it happened.’

‘But it helps that the people who sit next to me – the Anthony Smiths of the world, the Rashad Evans’s of the world, the Michael Bispings, the Paul Felders, the Daniel Cormiers – that I think people can sense they have a certain amount of respect for me and therefore the fans should, as well. 

‘I really owe a lot to my male co-workers who are making a spot for me at the table.’