WILL MAKE COLOR COMMENTARY DEBUT AT Bellator 192 ПО JAN. 20 – LIVE ON PARAMOUNT NETWORK

ТАКОЖ, CHAEL SONNEN SIGNS EXTENSION TO REMAIN IN BROADCAST BOOTH

АНГЕЛИ - Bellator is pleased to announce that it has come to an agreement with Джон Маккарті to serve as color commentator during broadcasts on the soon-to-launch Paramount Network, which kicks off with Bellator 192 на Субота, Січень 20.

“With the addition of ‘Big’ John to our broadcast team, we have put together the premier group of MMA commentators ahead of our Січень. 20 debut on the Paramount Network,”- сказав президент Bellator Скотт Кокер. “With John and Chael providing analysis, you’re getting two people who have spent more time in the cage than they have spent with a headset on, and that will translate to a positive viewing experience for Bellator fans.”

Over the past 20 роки, “Big” John McCarthy has set the bar when it comes to officiating in MMA, a sport where he has overseen countless fights promoted by Bellator and other promotions all over the world, serving as the referee for some of the biggest bouts in the history of the sport. A former Los Angeles Police Officer, and a Self-Defense Instructor at the Los Angeles Police Academy, McCarthy is also the founder of “C.O.M.M.A.N.D.,” a program that trains and certifies hopeful MMA referees and judges. McCarthy’s regulatory work is equally as impressive, as he was a key figure in the writing of the sport’s Unified Rules, which are recognized by the ABC and athletic commissions all across North America.

Along with his broadcasting duties, the man behind the catchphrase “Let’s get it on!” will also provide a unique level of first-hand insight to the plethora of original content produced by Bellator’s digital team.

“I first want to say how grateful I am for the opportunity I have been given to work with the incredible team Bellator has assembled. It is always so hard to leave something you love, but I have always wanted to step away based on my terms rather than someone else’s. My goals are to work as hard as I can to meet the expectations everyone will have for me and to hopefully someday exceed them.” McCarthy said. “I cannot think of anyone I would rather be working with than Scott Coker. Scott has always been a person I admire because of his honesty, loyalty and love for the martial arts. I want to thank everyone from Bellator and Viacom for the trust you are bestowing upon me to keep the commentating of Bellator MMA at the highest levels of the sport.”

На додаток, Соннен has signed an extension to remain a part of select Bellator broadcasts, breaking down all the action alongside Bellator announcers Mike Goldberg і Мауро Ranallo.

Chael Sonnen spent a majority of his 44-fight career with the UFC and WEC, a run that saw him defeat former middleweight champion Michael Bisping, and compete against the likes of Jon Jones, Андерсон Сільва (двічі), Рашад Еванс, “Шогун” Руа, Demian Maia and Brian Stann. In addition to his in-ring action, the West Linn, Ore. native has mastered the art of being in front of the camera, having done broadcast work for both ESPN and Fox Sports. Following a three-year hiatus from active MMA competition, Sonnen returned to the cage against Тіто Ортіз на Bellator 170 in January and then went on to defeat Wanderlei Silva during the main event of Bellator: NYC.

Bellator and the soon-to-launch Paramount Network open 2018 with a bang when Bellator 192: Ліма проти. MacDonald emanates from The Forum in California on Січень. 20. Anchored by a welterweight world title fight featuring Дуглас Ліма defending his championship against Рорі Макдональд, the blockbuster event also will see the aforementioned Chael Sonnen compete against “Шаленство” Джексона in the opening contest of 2018’s Bellator Heavyweight World Grand Prix.