Anik is the lead play-by-play commentator for the UFC and will be transitioning with the promotion from ESPN to Paramount this year. He is extremely passionate about the gig, but as a fan admits there are things he would change about the promotion.
One of the most important things would be shortening the length of events by reducing the number of battles per card.
What Jon Anik would change about the UFC:
-Cut shows from 8am to 5pm
-15 fights a card up to 10
-Not signing out as many fighters from DWCSThis makes the product more “palatable” for the fans. pic.twitter.com/4ZQ9K7yhIk
— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 17, 2026
“I think our biggest challenge is that our events take way too long,” Anik said during a recent podcast appearance (via Spinnin backfist). “We should have 10 or 11 fights instead of 15. Even if you wanted to make that [our broadcasts] Five or six hours, that’s fine with me.
“We ask a lot from our fans,” he added. “Eight hours times 41 Saturdays.”
Jon Anik suggests reducing the UFC roster
That said, Anik understands that it’s not that simple. The UFC has obligations to many broadcasters and a huge roster of fighters to keep busy. To combat that, the commentator is proposing to significantly reduce the UFC roster by cutting more than 100 fighters.
“We have many masters to serve,” he said. “Television partners in different countries. Lots of different things. A selection north of 600 [fighters]. We get 50 fighters signed to the Contender Series every year, which I don’t think is ideal.
“I would take 150 fighters off the roster. I would do 10 fights per card and just make it a much more palatable, palatable sporting event.”
What do you think of this version of Jon Anik? Does the UFC need shorter events and a smaller roster?
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