“Almost 20 Years Later. I’m Here…”: UFC Heartthrob Laura Sanko Set to Make Her PPV Debut While Replacing Joe Rogan at UFC 293

The highly anticipated UFC 293 is just around the corner. Fans are eagerly awaiting the title clash between Israel Adesanya and Sean Strickland. In addition to the main event, the co-main event between Tai Tuivasa and Alexander Volkov is also expected to be a thrilling affair. This time, the bout is set to take place at the Qudos Bank Arena in Sydney, Australia. The UFC 293 fight card is sure to be a grand spectacle with some exciting matchups. As the bout draws nearer, the promotion is ready with its commentary team.

Unlike the familiar faces that fans are used to, this time, UFC commentator Joe Rogan won’t be a part of it. In his place, UFC heartthrob Laura Sanko will take up the commentating duties. It is Sanko’s very first PPV, and according to her, she is way too excited about the great opportunity she has received.

Laura Sanko replaces Joe Rogan

While Kathy Long was the first female commentator in the UFC, Laura Sanko is the first female commentator in the modern avatar of the UFC. The world listened to her commentary for the first time at UFC Fight Night 218. Now, she is all set to replace the legendary commentator Joe Rogan at UFC 293. Sanko took to social media and expressed her happiness about the same. She wrote, “I’m honored to join the commentary team for UFC 293 alongside. @Jon_Anik and @dc_mma. Dream come true. Before I was an mma analyst or competitor, I was a fan just like most of you reading this. Almost 20 years later, I’m here and excited to be a small part of connecting our incredible fanbase to the fighting art of these amazing athletes. See you in Sydney #UFC293.”

From the words of Sanko, it is clear that she is beyond thrilled to commentate at UFC 293 along with Jon Anik and Daniel Cormier. Moreover, Rogan not being a part of UFC 293 is not a huge surprise, as he usually stays away from international events of the promotion. Now, the world will listen to Sanko for the first time in a PPV event. However, the journey to the UFC commentator position was not an easy one for Sanko.

The journey was hard

The 40-year-old’s debut as a commentator at a PPV event will be remembered for years to come. She is a huge motivation for women in MMA, and her success will inspire others to follow in her footsteps. However, she has also faced her share of challenges and hardships to reach the position. Ever since Sanko began her broadcasting career, she wanted to be a part of the UFC commentary team. However, as a woman, she had to face a lot of negative comments. 

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At the beginning of the year, Sanko said, “At least some core of the fan base has been on on this ride with me um you’re always going to have detractors think, women in particular get commented on, in a particular way that men who are new to a role would never get.” The first female commentator in modern UFC has stated that her hard work has gotten her to where she is today. However, she was frustrated because people on social media were quick to judge her without knowing anything about her. Sanko has received a lot of harsh remarks on social media, but she is not ready to let them get to her. What are your thoughts about the achievements of Laura Sanko? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

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