ESPN has parted ways with the majority of its MMA on-air talent following the UFC's landmark move to Paramount+ in a deal reportedly worth $7.7 billion over seven years.
The New York Post first reported the sweeping changes, which see the network not renewing contracts for key UFC broadcasting figures including Daniel Cormier, Jon Anik, Dominick Cruz, and Chael Sonnen.
Additional on-air personalities affected include Karyn Bryant, Laura Sanko, Megan Olivi, Ian Parker, Alan Jouban, Anthony Smith, and Paul Felder.
Longtime UFC reporter Brett Okamoto is reportedly being retained in a traditional journalist capacity.
The talent purge coincides with Disney's ongoing cost-cutting measures and ESPN's strategic pivot in combat sports coverage. With UFC departing for Paramount+ and CBS, ESPN is redirecting resources toward WWE, which brings premium live events to the network starting in 2026.
Several affected commentators are expected to continue working with UFC under the new Paramount umbrella. The promotion's core broadcast team, including Joe Rogan and Jon Anik, will call fights on the new platform rather than as ESPN employees.
The first UFC event under the Paramount+ deal is just weeks away (UFC 324), officially closing the chapter on the ESPN-UFC partnership that began in 2019.
