Former WEC champion Jamie Varner criticized UFC commentator Laura Sanko’s performance, prompting a defense from fellow commentator Alan Jouban who praised Sanko’s knowledge and versatility in her role.
Laura Sanko’s addition to UFC’s commentary team has been widely applauded. Yet, no commentator is immune to criticism.
Fans or fighters often criticize broadcasters after a UFC card. UFC Vegas 89 saw former WEC champion Jamie Varner criticizing Sanko in two now-deleted tweets. He claimed Sanko was terrible at commentating and spoke about things she didn’t understand.
Varner suggested that commentary should be left to those who have fought. Sanko responded by reminding him that they had shared a card when she was still actively competing.
Sanko tweeted, “@jamievarner you and I actually fought on the same card in 2011 for Titan FC. We warmed up next to each other in the basement of the Memorial Hall building in KCK. My best friend braided your hair because you couldn’t find anyone to do it. I remember thinking how cool it was at…”
Alan Jouban, a color commentator for LFA and UFC analyst, acknowledges that criticism comes with the job. However, he disagrees with Varner’s assessment of Sanko’s knowledge and experience.
“I think Varner, he’s focusing on the wrong things too much,” Jouban said on The Fighter vs. The Writer. He defended Sanko’s knowledge of the sport and criticized Varner for his public outburst.
Jouban believes that while Sanko may not have been a “blast double” type of fighter, she has enough experience to comment on it. He said, “She’s very educated and she speaks so well, and she does have the background to back it up.”
Jouban accepts that no one escapes criticism in this role. He admits that it’s impossible to please everyone and that these comments affect him more than those about his fight career.
Sanko is likely experiencing the same as she grows as a color commentator. She’s currently the only woman in this role for UFC.
Jouban said, “You’re going to get criticized every time. You’re not going to win over every fan.” He advises staying away from the criticism but admits it’s hard not to look, especially when it concerns your career.
Jouban praised Sanko’s work beyond color commentary. She started as a backstage interviewer and now wears many hats, making her valuable to the promotion.
“Laura’s a unicorn for the UFC,” Jouban said. “She’s like a utility knife of this type of job. They can put her anywhere and she’ll be able to do a great job.”
Regarding Varner, Jouban won’t dictate how anyone should feel. He believes Varner went about his criticism the wrong way.
Jouban commended Sanko for her gracious response. He said, “She took a very classy route. That was tough to do. Credit to her.”
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