Laura Sanko to Make UFC Color Commentary Debut on Saturday

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Laura Sanko is set to become the first female commentator on a UFC broadcast during the Zuffa era when she joins the booth on Saturday night.

The promotion announced Monday that Sanko will be on the call for UFC Fight Night 218 at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. Sanko has previously worked as a reporter and analyst for the UFC while also doing commentary for Dana White’s Contender Series. She previously did broadcast work for Invicta FC.

“Taking the next step to join the UFC commentary team has been a goal of mine since I began my broadcast career,” Sanko said in a release. “It is an honor to walk in the footprint of Kathy Long 30 years after her appearance on UFC 1. I consider it a true privilege to be part of the team that is a voice to our incredible fans, communicating the fighting art of each man and woman who steps inside the UFC Octagon.”

The aforementioned Long, a former kickboxing champion, called the UFC’s first-ever event in 1993, and is the only other female to do commentary for the promotion.

“I can’t think of anyone better to be the first female color commentator for the modern UFC era than Laura,” UFC resident Dana White said. “She has worked incredibly hard to prove herself and get to this position and I couldn’t be prouder to have her calling the action.”

UFC Fight Night 218 is headlined by a heavyweight clash between Derrick Lewis and Sergey Spivak. The main card airs on ESPN+ at 1 a.m. ET/10 p.m. PT, while prelims stream on ESPN+ beginning at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT.