Jimmy Smith spent UFC 220 behind the analyst desk at the Fox Sports studio, but things are going to change next month for UFC 221.
The longtime Bellator MMA color commentator is going to be making his commentary debut in Perth, Australia for UFC 221.
It was Smith who made the announcement via Twitter:
First color gig for the UFC!! See you there at #UFC221 pic.twitter.com/7N88jibLRm
— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) January 25, 2018
Smith saw his contract with Bellator expire at the end of 2017 as he refused to take a pay cut, and was let go, per Paramount's request. He has since been replaced by longtime sportcaster Jay Glazer.
MMA Fighting is also reporting that Smith is going to be joined by Jon Anik at the commentary desk, but nothing has been made official at this time.
A total of twelve fights are set for UFC 221, with former UFC Middleweight Champion Luke Rockhold facing Yoel Romero for the vacant interim middleweight title in the main event, while heavyweights Mark Hunt and Curtis Blaydes battle in the co-main event.
This will also be the first time Smith has called an event since Bellator 191 last December, which had UFC veteran Michael McDonald defeating Peter Ligier in the main event.
UFC 221 takes place on Saturday, February 10 from the Perth Arena in Perth, Australia with Luke Rockhold and Yoel Romero headlining. Fightful is providing live coverage of the event, with a post-show podcast to follow.
