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The Commentators Are Drunk, The Crowd's Booing, and Jon Anik's Watching a Different Fight
Inside the Wild World of MMA Commentary Bias — and Why Fighters Are Tired of It
By Steven J. Boardman | MMA Stalker
Commentary in mixed martial arts is supposed to clarify the chaos. Instead, it often compounds it.
Over the years, fighters have grown increasingly vocal about what they believe is biased, inaccurate, or downright baffling commentary — particularly from high-profile UFC commentators like Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier. When the broadcast booth starts telling a different story than the one unfolding in the Octagon, fans aren't the only ones frustrated. Fighters, coaches, and even other commentators are calling foul.
Calling the Action — or Spinning a Narrative?
When Cody Stamann defeated hyped prospect Tom Duquesnoy at UFC 216, the Michigan native expected some respect on his name. What he got instead was a broadcast that, according to him, ignored everything he was doing right.
"I was so frustrated… They were way more biased than they normally would be. That's not their job." — Cody Stamann
Stamann was far from alone. Justin Gaethje slammed Michael Bisping's commentary at UFC 286, where Bisping, a UK native, was calling a title fight between fellow Brit Leon Edwards and Gaethje's teammate, Kamaru Usman. Gaethje's takeaway?
"[Bisping] shouldn't have been anywhere near a microphone during that fight." — Justin Gaethje
For Diego Sanchez, the bias felt personal. After his 2020 bout, Sanchez accused Daniel Cormier of outright disrespect toward him and his controversial coach Joshua Fabia:
"Thanks for not talking to my coach in our pre-fight meeting. You already showed me your bias." — Diego Sanchez
And it's not just fighters losing on the cards who complain. Even dominant performances can be spun strangely in the booth. When Cris Cyborg beat Felicia Spencer convincingly at UFC 240, the commentary team seemed more focused on Spencer's toughness than Cyborg's offense. Cyborg later accused Joe Rogan and the UFC of downplaying her performance deliberately.
What Happens When the Call Doesn't Match the Fight?
Narrative Over Reality
Inaccurate commentary can shape more than just fan opinion. It can alter the entire perception of a fight. And sometimes, it's just plain wrong.
Factual Errors
During the Cyborg-Spencer fight, Rogan mistakenly called it a five-rounder when it was a three-round fight.
Dismissing Technique
In another instance, Daniel Cormier minimized Charles Johnson's submission escapes by chalking them up to "athleticism," not technique. Johnson clapped back on social media:
"DC is riding my opponent's sack so hard… He said I don't defend with skill. Has he seen my fights?" — Charles Johnson
These aren't isolated moments — they're part of a recurring pattern where narratives override the action. The commentary often latches onto a favorite storyline and clings to it like a rear-naked choke, even when the fight moves in a different direction.
Even Insiders Have Had Enough
Commentator Criticism
Dominick Cruz — former UFC champion and occasional commentator — has openly said he mutes the broadcast when Daniel Cormier is working:
"He doesn't do the homework. He wants to get in and out, get his money." — Dominick Cruz
Self-Awareness
Cormier himself has acknowledged the bias complaints, even referencing a conversation with Rogan:
"Rogan told me... 'Oh, you gotta be careful with our bias commentary.' He just doesn't care." — Daniel Cormier
Does It Influence Judges?
Judicial Impact
Commentary potentially influencing official decisions
Proximity Problem
Judges sitting close enough to hear commentary
Empty Arena Effect
Pandemic fights made commentary more audible
Fighters and fans aren't the only ones affected. While judges are trained to remain objective, they often sit close enough to hear commentary in quieter venues. Experts like Ariel Helwani and Brett Okamoto noted during the pandemic that in empty arenas, commentary was more likely to be heard by judges — a dangerous possibility when decisions hang in the balance.
The UFC 277 fallout proved how commentary can weaponize public perception. After a dissenting judge scorecard, Rogan and Cormier slammed the official live on air. The judge, Seth Fuller, later said he received hate messages and feared losing future assignments — all because of the broadcast team's real-time shaming.
So What's the Fix?
Do Your Homework
Commentary isn't improv. It's analysis. Bring the same prep fighters do.
Call the Fight, Not the Backstory
We love a good origin tale — but not at the expense of actual punches landing.
Invite Analysts Who Understand the Fight
Fighters like Laura Sanko have received praise for being sharp, neutral, and informed.
Volume Check
Consider limiting commentator audio feed to judges — they should only see the fight, not hear it spun in real-time.
Final Thoughts
Power to Elevate
Good commentary enhances viewer experience
Power to Distort
Biased commentary misrepresents fights
Performance Art
When analysis becomes entertainment
Journalistic Integrity
The need for objective fight calling
Commentary has the power to elevate — or distort — a fight. When it becomes a highlight reel for the wrong guy or a soapbox for someone's gym buddy, it stops being journalism and becomes performance art.
So the next time Jon Anik tells you someone's dominating while getting lit up on screen, remember: not everyone with a microphone is watching the same fight you are.
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