Why did Charly Arnolt replace Joe Martinez during UFC Vegas 91 live telecast? Cage announcer drama explained
During UFC Vegas 91, a historic moment unfolded as backstage reporter Charly Arnolt stepped in as the ring announcer, temporarily replacing Joe Martinez.
Arnolt's impromptu role change came after Martinez fell ill, marking the first time a woman served as a ring announcer in the promotion's history. The switch occurred following the conclusion of a flyweight bout, with Arnolt called upon to announce the fight's result on the live broadcast.
MMA journalist John Morgan provided insights into the situation, confirming Martinez's condition:
“Illness just took a 10-8 round over Joe Martinez. He’s looking to battle back later tonight. #UFCVegas91 🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻”
“I was standing next to the man and talking to him. He was fine, just losing his voice," Morgan's next tweet read.
Despite the unexpected shift, the event proceeded smoothly, with Arnolt seamlessly adapting to her new role as ring announcer.
Martinez eventually returned to announce the main event of the evening, featuring flyweight contenders Alex Perez and Matheus Nicolau.
When did Joe Martinez make his UFC debut as ring announcer?
Joe Martinez first stepped into the UFC octagon as the ring announcer on December 14th, 2012, for UFC on FX: Sotiropoulos vs. Pearson held in Australia.
Prior to joining the UFC, Martinez established himself as a seasoned announcer in various combat sports organizations. He announced fights for Strikeforce, Tachi Palace Fights, Cage Warriors Fighting Championships, and Invicta MMA.
Martinez's announcing repertoire extends beyond MMA, as he's also the main ring announcer for Golden Boy Promotions, founded by boxing legend Oscar de la Hoya.
Martinez's announcing talents aren't limited to combat sports. According to an article by Bleacher Report, Martinez also serves as the public address announcer for both the Lake Elsinore Storm, a minor league affiliate of the San Diego Padres, and his alma mater, Cal State Fullerton.
Here's what Martinez told ahead of his debut stint as ring announcer in 2012:
"I don’t typically get nervous when holding a microphone, but I think I’ll be a little nervous for this one and I hope I can hide it."