Jon Anik responds to critics of his UFC 304 main event call, slams fans who continue discrediting Belal Muhammad
Jon Anik has addressed the criticism directed against him for his commentary during the UFC 304 fight between Belal Muhammad and Leon Edwards. The longtime play-by-play commentator suggested that he rewatched his work from the matchup and felt he was unbiased.
Anik was accompanied by MMA legends Daniel Cormier and Michael Bisping on the commentary team for UFC 304, which transpired at the Co-op Live in Manchester, England, on July 27. The event's headlining fight was a rematch, in which Muhammad defeated Edwards via unanimous decision. 'Remember the Name' was crowned the new UFC welterweight champion.
Incidentally, Jon Anik and his twin brother Jason Anik are involved with the Anik & Florian Podcast, which comprises multiple shows, including the Remember The Show podcast featuring Belal Muhammad. Certain sections of the MMA community later indicated that Jon's UFC 304 commentary was biased in favor of his friend.
Speaking to MMA Fighting's Mike Heck, Jon Anik recently asserted that he has "interpersonal relationships on both sides" of the Edwards-Muhammad equation. He alluded to being connected with Edwards for even longer, by way of the Brit's manager Tim Simpson, whom Anik is friends with.
Anik highlighted that the introduction of the Anik & Florian Podcast consists of Edwards' iconic catchphrase, "Headshot, dead." He also emphasized his feeling that his "call was down the line," stating:
"Now, you can imagine all the different things that commentators hear from fans, and fighters, and coaches, and bosses over the years. But I sleep well at night. I stand by that call, and I stand by Belal Muhammad as a friend."
Moreover, Anik explained that he and his brother launched Muhammad's podcast four or five years ago and believed in the now-welterweight champion when he was unranked and had a relatively lower following on social media. He underscored the close bond they've developed, adding that Muhammad might be one of his groomsmen if he were to get married again.
Anik also referenced his friendship with UFC legend Dominick Cruz and opined that he's closer to Cruz than he is to Muhammad. He clarified that his commentary work is bereft of bias despite his friendships with various fighters.
In addition, jibing at the fans who continue discrediting Muhammad's title victory, Anik said:
"Once any of these guys hit the tunnel, or hit the inspection zone, last thing I'm thinking about is their mothers and their brothers and the interpersonal stuff. So, it is what it is. It comes with the territory. And people who don't wanna credit this win in this historically great division by Belal Muhammad? Cry. Cry."
Check out Anik's comments below:
Jon Anik's support for Belal Muhammad in the aftermath of UFC 304 win over Leon Edwards
Following Belal Muhammad's unanimous decision victory over Gilbert Burns in May 2023, Jon Anik lambasted fans who made and continue to make derogatory comments about professional athletes.
When asked if he was referring to the castigation Muhammad was facing from some fans, he clarified that he'd like respect for all athletes.
Similarly, after Muhammad's win against Leon Edwards, Anik tweeted:
"Cry. #UFC304 @bullyb170"
On the Anik & Florian Podcast, Jon Anik subsequently explained it the aforementioned tweet was to oppose those who still refuse to acknowledge Belal Muhammad's achievements.
Muhammad, who's likely to defend his title against someone other than Edwards next, received significant support from Anik. The veteran commentator opined that Muhammad's haters watched his fight with a "tainted eye" and reiterated that they ought to "cry."
Watch Anik's assessment below (26:05):