UFC declines to re-sign veteran MMA analyst Jimmy Smith

By Mookie Alexander@mookiealexander

Bloodyelbow.com

MMA fans know Jimmy Smith as one of the longtime voices of Bellator MMA, working as that promotion’s cageside analyst until he parted ways at the end of 2017. The UFC didn’t take long to sign him up to be part of its commentary and studio rotation to begin 2018, but we won’t be hearing Smith on UFC shows in 2019.

ESPN’s Ariel Helwani reported news of Smith’s impending departure three weeks ago, and now that 2019 has arrived, Smith has confirmed the news himself on Twitter.

“Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end,” Smith said. “I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show.”

Jimmy Smith✔@jimmysmithmma

Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end. I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show.3,6321:55 AM – Jan 2, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy908 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Jimmy Smith✔@jimmysmithmma · 14h

Now that the New Year has arrived I’m afraid I have to announce that the UFC has declined to re-sign me and my time with the promotion has come to an end. I just want to thank everyone at the promotion who made me feel welcome and appreciate at every single show.

Jimmy Smith✔@jimmysmithmma

I tried my utmost to show the fighters the respect they deserved for giving their lives to this sport and hope they felt that when they heard what I had to say. The UFC fans were truly amazing and I wish I could thank each and every one of you for your support and1,0991:55 AM – Jan 2, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy80 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

Jimmy Smith✔@jimmysmithmma · 14hReplying to @jimmysmithmma

I tried my utmost to show the fighters the respect they deserved for giving their lives to this sport and hope they felt that when they heard what I had to say. The UFC fans were truly amazing and I wish I could thank each and every one of you for your support and

Jimmy Smith✔@jimmysmithmma

even your criticism because it made me strive to be better. Wishing everyone a great 2019 and on to the next fight…Adios Amigos1,1171:55 AM – Jan 2, 2019Twitter Ads info and privacy156 people are talking about thisTwitter Ads info and privacy

The UFC has added retired former middleweight champion Michael Bisping to its cageside commentary team for ESPN broadcasts, to go along with its current stable of Paul Felder, Dominick Cruz, Dan Hardy, and Daniel Cormier. Joe Rogan has heavily reduced his schedule to just North American based PPV shows, although it’s unknown whether or not he’ll do the promotion’s debut event on ESPN+ on January 19th.

As for Smith, hopefully another promotion signs him up soon, as he’s highly knowledgeable and one of the more respected voices in the business.

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