The addition of former and current fighters to the UFC broadcast team brings a unique perspective but also raises concerns about potential bias and conflicts of interest when calling fights involving friends and teammates.
Fighters who have transitioned to roles doing color commentary face potential conflicts of interest when calling fights for friends and teammates. UFC Hall of Famer Daniel Cormier noted that, despite the accusations of bias, he sometimes finds himself overcompensating to avoid favoritism. Cormier explained that it can be quite nerve-racking to call fights involving friends or teammates, but he has learned to focus on doing his job and not listen to the critics.
Cormier acknowledged that all members of the UFC commentary team have built relationships with many of the athletes making up the UFC roster. He pointed to a recent fight between Islam Makhachev and Alexander Volkanovski as an example of a time where he had to set aside any personal feelings and focus on calling the action in the cage. Cormier described the position as a unique and challenging one, especially when a friend or teammate is involved in the fight.
Despite the difficulties of staying impartial, Cormier emphasized the value that fighters on the UFC commentary team bring to the broadcast. He compared the current team to past broadcast teams, noting that the current team’s personal connections to the fighters offer a different perspective. Cormier praised the input and perspective that he and his fellow commentators bring to the table.