BREAKING: Laura Sanko to become second female color commentator in the UFC

Laura Sanko is set to make her commentary debut at UFC Vegas 68 this weekend. The 40-year-old deservingly will be the second female color commentator in UFC history after Kathy Long.

A former atomweight MMA fighter, Sanko last competed in her lone pro outing under Invicta FC before starting broadcast work under the promotion. Having made her first UFC appearance as a backstage reporter in 2016, she has always aspired to join the commentary booth. She recently commented in a press release:

"Taking the next step to join the UFC commentary team has been a goal of mine since I began my broadcast career. 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."

While former kickboxing champion Kathy Long called the first UFC event back in 1993, Sanko will become the first female to do so in the Zuffa era. While this will be her first time calling a main card, Sanko has previously been in the booth for Dana White's Contender Series.

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"I can’t think of anyone better" - Dana White on Laura Sanko

Laura Sanko will make her commentary debut at the upcoming Apex event, which is headlined by a heavyweight clash between KO artist Derrick Lewis and surging contender Serghei Spivac. Expressing her gratitude for the opportunity, Sanko wrote on Twitter:

"Thank you very much for all the support 🙏🏻 You guys are amazing. And thank you @ufc for this incredible opportunity. I’m truly honored."

UFC President Dana White also lauded Laura Sanko, stating that she has earned her position. The UFC head honcho admittedly couldn't think of anyone more deserving to be the first female commentator of the modern era. White said in a statement:

“I can’t think of anyone better to be the first female color commentator for the modern UFC era than Laura. 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.”