UFC play-by-play commentator Jon Anik isn’t sure how much longer he’ll be cageside as his resentment toward a portion of the MMA fanbase continues to grow.
Anik caught the attention of the MMA community Thursday when he stated on his podcast that he’s “growing tired” of the negative and very loud portion of the audience who seem unable or unwilling to have mature discourse about the sport.
Anik, who started working for the UFC in 2011, was promoted to lead play-by-play commentator for pay-per-views, as well as select UFC Fight Night shows, after Mike Goldberg departed in 2017. He was maligned for scoring this past weekend’s UFC 297 main event in favor of Dricus Du Plessis over Sean Strickland, which unearthed a bevy of backlash in his social media comments.
Although Anik is far from the only person in the MMA space who has felt the wrath of fans online, he is in the minority in terms of speaking openly about the toll it can take mentally. What that ultimately means for his long-term future with the UFC remains to be seen, but if the reaction to his comments show anything, it’s that he has widespread support from the athletes he calls the action for.
Multiple fighters spoke out to support Anik and added to his feelings about the degree to which fans can be toxic. Check out those reactions below.
* * * *
MMA Junkie
Jon Anik is “growing tired” of the negativity in MMA 🎯 pic.twitter.com/SoCn7um90g
— MMA Junkie (@MMAJunkie) January 26, 2024
Matt Brown
I hope @Jon_Anik knows that the VAST majority of us love him and know that he’s great for the sport. The ones being negative and talking stupid shit are the minority and hate their own lives so much that they try to project that on to those in the spotlight. Fuck em! Do you Jon!
— Matt Brown (@IamTheImmortal) January 26, 2024
Jimi Manuwa
How can anyone talk shit about @Jon_Anik ? I’m in your corner brother
— JIMI MANUWA (@POSTERBOYJM) January 26, 2024
John Kavanagh
As the great @ForrestGriffin told me many years ago – post, don't read. Jon is truly brilliant at what he does. Stay at it brother, just avoid the comments. https://t.co/4U8tdvrKby
— Coach JK (@John_Kavanagh) January 26, 2024
Muhammad Mokaev
Jon Anik @Jon_Anik you’re legend 💪
— Muhammad Mokaev (@muhammadmokaev) January 26, 2024
Jon Fitch
This is the correct take,
And I called it at least 14 years ago.No one listened. https://t.co/7bVTcuhgvO
— Jon Fitch 🏴☠️ (@jonfitchdotnet) January 26, 2024
Cub Swanson
Sometimes you just need a break from the madness. For the record Anik is a solid dude
— Cub Swanson (@CubSwanson) January 26, 2024
Nazim Sadykhov
Don’t ever come for my man Jon Anik! https://t.co/l5PTTxmxYN
— Nazim Sadykhov (@naz_mma) January 26, 2024
Sodiq Yusuff
As a fighter I feel seen 🥹 https://t.co/niMIspErqD
— Sodiq Yusuff (@Super_Sodiq) January 26, 2024
Ramsey Nijem
I agree MMA fans are toxic. This sport is just different, takes different people to do it and cover it. https://t.co/EIqtogD2mC
— Ramsey Nijem (@RamseyNijem) January 26, 2024
Paulo Costa
Jon anik is the man ! @Jon_Anik the best we have guys
— Paulo Costa ( Borrachinha ) (@BorrachinhaMMA) January 25, 2024
Gilbert Burns
My man @Jon_Anik is a legend on the commentary! https://t.co/g15ALcUxLh
— GILBERT BURNS DURINHO (@GilbertDurinho) January 25, 2024
Jay Perrin
Only fanbase I know that considers people at the highest level bums or that they be able to beat them themselves
MMA fans as a whole suck https://t.co/2VFWFNBpVx
— Jay Perrin (@Joker_Gang35) January 25, 2024
Terrance McKinney
Y’all better not make Jon Anik quit
— Terrance McKinney (@twrecks155) January 25, 2024
Kenny Florian
My 2 yr old son said “Dad, if you attempt to appease or seek the majority of mma fans approval then it is inevitably a fool’s errand that leads to a path of mediocrity & inauthenticity. Care more about opinions of other experts in the field and those close to you.” https://t.co/4InwORpQy3
— Kenny Florian (@kennyflorian) January 25, 2024
Sean O'Connell
Anik is the gold standard I am chasing in this sport. Toxic fans better quit or the overall level of professionalism in MMA broadcasting could take a HUGE hit https://t.co/epUUuYJyz8
— Sean O'Connell (@realOCsports) January 25, 2024
Sean Strickland
What id say to Jon Anik calling mma fans" The lowest common denominator"
These people are way you have a paycheck, and you make way more than most… Maybe the NFL is a better choice for you than MMA….
Also you guys are a bunch of savage cunts.. I'm here for it…..
— Sean Strickland (@SStricklandMMA) January 27, 2024
