Jon Anik shares upcoming UFC event he dreams of experiencing at Las Vegas Sphere: "We need one more shot"
Jon Anik is widely regarded as the voice of the UFC, becoming synonymous with the company since coming on as a play-by-play commentator in 2012. Following the historic UFC 306, which marked the promotion's first event at the Las Vegas Sphere, he revealed that he is hopeful the venue is not a one-and-done for the UFC.
Speaking to Mike Heck Jr. of MMA Fighting's Between the Links, Anik stated:
"When you look at the fight cards for UFC 307 and UFC 308 on paper, Jose Aldo's fighting on the prelims in Salt Lake City. UFC 308 - I don't say this hyperbolically - may be the best fight card I've ever been assigned. Go to Wikipedia and look up UFC 308, right?"
He continued:
"So, just imagine for a second, UFC 307 or UFC 308, on paper, Khamzat Chimaev versus Robert Whittaker at Sphere f**king Vegas and tell me we couldn't effectively change the game forever. So, this was an amazing experience. I just think we need one more shot."
Check out Jon Anik's comments on the UFC returning to the Sphere below (5:35):
While there was some online backlash about the pace of the final two fights, UFC 306 was largely considered a big success. The landmark event generated nearly $22 million in ticket sales, surpassing the $18 million generated at UFC 205, breaking the record for the biggest gate in company history.
Jon Anik reveals Joe Rogan's reaction to the Las Vegas Sphere
Joe Rogan has been working UFC broadcasts since UFC 12: Judgement Day, all the way back in February 1997. UFC 306 was unlike any event in promotional history as it took place at the Las Vegas Sphere with an incredible backdrop. Jon Anik shared his fellow commentator's reaction during his recent appearance on Between the Links with Mike Heck, stating:
"He’s seen it all, he’s a renaissance man, far more that than me so I still felt convicted in the fact that he would be effectively blown away, and yeah, just jaw-dropped, and 'oh, my gosh' and one visual sort of upstages the one that came before it."
Check out Jon Anik's comments on Joe Rogan's reaction below (3:36):
Anik added that he would like to attend if he has free time and there is an event at the Sphere. It is unclear if the UFC will return to the venue at some point; however, Dana White has suggested that it will be a one-and-done event.