‘Big’ John McCarthy To Join Bellator Commentary Team

After announcing the departure of long-time colour commentator Jimmy Smith last month, Bellator MMA has revealed legendary referee, ‘Big’ John McCarthy, has joined their broadcast team.

McCarthy is widely regarded as one of MMA’s best officials and is seen officiating regularly all over the world in many different promotions. He flirted with the idea of broadcasting in 2007 but soon returned to refereeing.

However, he will undertake a completely new role at Bellator 192 on January 20^th as when joins the commentary team for the first time. The event will also be Bellator’s first under the newly rebranded Paramount Network.

He will join a broadcast team consisting of the current heavyweight contender, Chael Sonnen, as well as Mauro Ranallo and former UFC play-by-play man Mike Goldberg.

“It is always so hard to leave something you love, but I have always wanted to step away based on my terms rather than someone else’s,” McCarthy said. “My goals are to work as hard as I can to meet the expectations everyone will have for me and to hopefully someday exceed them.”

What do you think of ‘Big’ John’s move to commentary? Let us know in the comments!