Joe Rogan no longer travels out of the United States for his role as a color commentator for the UFC. Needless to say, it’s his extremely packed schedule, outside of the fight business, that keeps demanding his undivided attention. Hence, his commentary roles have now been stitched to the PPV events within the States. And UFC 308 would be one such pay-per-view event that will witness the 57-year-old’s absence. 

In his stead, Paul Felder will join Daniel Cormier and Jon Anik in the commentary booth. While the world of mixed martial arts will surely miss Rogan’s voice during the fights at Abu Dhabi, this commentary lineup has promised to give out deep insights and expert commentary for the fighting community. 

Keeping the commentary booth at UFC 308 aside, the MMA realm has witnessed many other personalities gracing the commentary box at different events. This has urged fight fans to wonder about the greatest commentators in the MMA promotion. 

Dana White has already put Rogan as the sports commentary GOAT. But who are the other UFC commentators and where do they stand? Today, let’s look at the top 5 UFC commentators apart from Rogan. 

1. Paul Felder

At spot number 5, we have the man who has replaced Joe Rogan at UFC 308. The former UFC lightweight contender usually brings his in-cage expertise to the commentary box. His style revolves around letting the fans know what the fighters were doing and why. There are times when the commentator provides insights that only someone who has personally experienced fighting inside the MMA cage can give. Needless to say, Felder is a pretty agreeable addition to the commentary team. 

However, even the ‘Irish Dragon’ wasn’t free from accusations of being biased. And one of the fights that had the entire fanbase clashing against the former lightweight fighter was the bout between Marvin Vettori and Jared Cannonier, back in 2023. Many claimed that Felder’s commentary was favorable for Vettori. Later on, he had to come clean on social media, as the accusations became uncontrollable. 

Felder is also known for his reactions beside the cage. Being an intense fighter himself, he sure loves a bloody battle inside the cage. He often lets his emotions take control of his commentary, and that’s what most fans like. However, there are also times when the ‘Irish Dragon’ lets his emotions trouble his commentary. It was indeed his animated reaction when a severe clash of heads led to a stoppage in the fight between Bobby Green and Jared Gordon. Felder was later attacked by Green for emotional commentary, expressing his concern for Gordon, which led the color commentator to publicly apologize to Green.

1. Laura Sanko

At number 4, we have Laura Sanko. The UFC heartthrob who once graced the Octagon as a fighter has now traced her steps into the commentary box. She debuted as a commentator at UFC Fight Night: Lewis vs. Spivak, in February 2023. But it was UFC 293 that witnessed Sanko making history by becoming the first-ever woman to commentate a UFC PPV event. On top of that, she was the first female to have worked as a commentator at a UFC-related event (Dana White’s Contender Series) in 2021. 

No doubt, Sanko attracted quite a bit of attention to the UFC. However, there were instances when the netizens claimed that the MMA promotion simply glued a pretty face at the commentary booth. But Sanko wasted no time in proving them all wrong and greatly impressed the fans at UFC 293. Even Conor McGregor was left in awe with her commentary. Well, she definitely knows what she talks about besides the cage, bringing her experience as a fighter into play.

1. Michael Bisping

Next up is ‘The Count’ Michael Bisping, who has become a common face on the microphone. Debuting at UFC Fight Night 144, the fighting community somewhat expected the former UFC middleweight champion to bring in his aggressive fighting style into his commentary. But boy, were we wrong! Bisping tends to bring nothing but excitement to the fights with his balanced view and unique view. But it’s his humor that makes him a loved commentator.

‘The Count’ has indeed achieved what many other fighters dream about. Joining the commentary team after retiring with championship titles under one’s belt is what the fighters often plan. But commentating isn’t an easy job. Nevertheless, the Britisher has kept on taking long strides toward success in his new role.

However, troubles have a way of finding the commentators in the fight promotion. While many actually accused Bisping of biased and unprofessional commentary, he has a different opinion than the majority. This difference in opinion is what helps the fighting community understand the fights from a whole new perspective.

1. Daniel Cormier

On number 2, we have Daniel Cormier. He’s yet another former champion who traveled to the commentary booth and found immense success with the microphone. The former heavyweight champion has also become one of the most appreciated analysts for PPV events. During his fighting days, DC relied greatly on his wrestling abilities. And that’s what he usually brings to the commentary booth.

Cormier’s analysis of the ground game is nothing but impeccable. Breaking down the intense grappling inside the Octagon, DC’s commentary has found immense success. On top of that, his funny side glues the audience’s attention for the entirety of the event. Definitely not something just anyone could do, don’t you think?

1. Jon Anik

And finally, the moment we’ve all been waiting for. The man at the pinnacle of the list. It’s none other than Jon Anik, the famed play-by-play commentator for the UFC. Coming in right after the legendary Mike Goldberg retired, Anik had a huge void to fill. And he did it with great finesse. No doubt, it was his prior experience as a commentator for FX and FUEL TV that helped him gain popularity in the fighting community. 

With a well-calculated and balanced tone, Anik provides the details of every single moment in the fights. Being unbiased and delivering lines at the perfect time is what makes Anik one of the greatest commentators that the UFC has ever seen. And that’s exactly why he is loved across the fighting realm.

Well, that about brings us to the end of the list. But before we say farewell, here are some honorary mentions. Dominick Cruz has often uplifted the fighting community with his energetic commentary and expert analysis. And how can we forget John Gooden? The play-by-play commentator for the UFC since 2014, Gooden has risen high with his unique fighter narratives. 

What are your thoughts on the commentary team for UFC 308? Do you think Felder is the best replacement for Rogan? Let us know what you think of the list in the comments down below.