It’s hard to imagine the future of the UFC without Jon Anik’s voice providing the backdrop to some of the most iconic moments inside the Octagon. Since making his commentary debut in 2012 at UFC on FX 1, Anik has gone on to become the lead play-by-play commentator for the UFC after Mike Goldberg’s departure from the promotion in 2017. Alongside his duties as a commentator, Anik has also been a part of the ‘Anik-Florian’ podcast with former UFC commentator and fighter, Kenny Florian.

Now, in a recent update on social media, Anik surprisingly revealed it was his fellow UFC commentator, Joe Rogan’s podcast that inspired him to branch out into that avenue. But while he is highly successful and massively popular in his role as the play-by-play guy for the UFC, he has also highlighted his wish to transition to a different role under UFC CEO Dana White!

Jon Anik hails Joe Rogan’s ‘JRE Podcast’ as the guiding light behind his own podcasting achievement  

According to a heartfelt statement released on social media, Jon Anik revealed, “Inspired by @joerogan, we launched @anikflorianpod in 2015. Today we are taping our 500th episode. Thanks to all of those who’ve been along for any step of the ride. We appreciate the connection with and support from you all more than you know!”

It’s not a surprise that Anik has found enormous success with his podcast as from 2006 to 2008, the UFC play-by-play commentator worked for ESPN Radio. In an interview from 2010 with MMA Junkie, Anik had shared that, “I started doing radio in Boston, and I was hosting an afternoon-drive show for a Sporting News Radio affiliate.”

He further revealed that he was one of the creators of the boxing show called ‘The Mouthpiece Boxing’ which covered 25 HBO PPVs from 2004 to 2008 and got him hooked onto the world of combat sports. But his love for MMA stemmed from his coverage of the now-defunct EliteXC organization, which according to Anik led him to fall in love with the fast-rising combat sport.

Anik confessed, “Seeing MMA live was just unbelievable, and it was shortly thereafter that I started ordering every pay-per-view and really getting hooked”. The ‘Anik & Florian Podcast’ currently boasts over 33 thousand subscribers on YouTube and has conducted exclusive interviews with notable names in the sport and features discussions ranging from MMA, other sports, and pop culture.

However, despite his massive success and a new contract signed with the UFC in 2022, Anik still feels like he has more to offer to the sport. In a recent interview, Anik has made it clear to UFC boss Dana White that his dreams aren’t just limited to the broadcast booth at PPV events!

UFC matchmaking role in Anik’s sights for the future

Jon Anik has recently confessed that his future plans involve a position that is more than just being behind the commentary table! In a recent interview with MMA Junkie, Anik confessed that “I would love nothing more than to be offered a matchmaker job and to put the microphone down. I just think I’m a little bit underqualified, while also trying to stay in my lane.”

He further stated that while he is apprehensive about his abilities to take on the massive responsibility at the moment, the guidance of UFC veterans like Mick Maynard and Sean Shelby would definitely be a factor in his decision to take on the role. Anik further went on to state, “Being an executive or somebody in operations and talent relations for a major sports organization or promotion or team, is tremendously appealing to me.”

It’ll be a bittersweet moment for the MMA sphere when Anik does finally step away from the mic in the future. But whether he remains the beloved voice of the Octagon or takes on a new role behind the scenes, one thing is clear: Jon Anik’s passion and commitment to the UFC will continue to cement his legacy for years to come! Do you think Jon Anik would be a great matchmaker for the UFC? Why or Why not? Let us know in the comments below!