The Ultimate Fighting Championship's own production and worldwide distribution is unparalleled, especially within the sports world.
But when a last-minute change happens that no one saw coming, like Arman Tsarukyan pulling out 24 hours before UFC 311, how does the promotion keep the ball rolling?
Enter veteran combat sports commentator Jon Anik, who has revealed what happens behind the scenes at the UFC when such a dramatic last-minute change shakes things up.
Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC
Jon Anik explains the last-minute broadcast changes for UFC 311
By the time Dana White announced that Tsarukyan was out and that Renato Moicano was in, the UFC production team had already completed the video packages, audio descriptions and various other aspects of the incoming PPV broadcast.
That put commentator Jon Anik in an awkward, but privileged, spot; as he explained in a social media post: “I don't have to rewrite the PPV opener, I get the rewrite of the PPV opener, right?”
Speaking to MMA Junkie a few hours earlier, Anik acknowledged that while nothing surprises him anymore in the UFC, the last-minute change is “not ideal” from a production POV.
“Nothing surprises me anymore though, we're so conditioned to these circumstances and pulling back the curtain, I now have to re-record the whole damn show.
“UFC 311 has a different title, so there's a lot more work to be done. We have to rebuild all formats, so from a live television perspective it's not ideal.”
Anik represents one of the absolute best play-by-play commentators in the sports world and as a master of his craft, it didn't take long for him to write a new story for the PPV opener.
“We had to rework it, or as Dominick Cruz would say, you can rework it, right? I don't need to rewrite the PPV opener, I get the rewrite of the PPV opener – anyway, this is what we have so far,” he stated on his X account.
“What does this title represent? It means you are the best in the world and if you are the best in the world it doesn't matter who is in front of you.
“That was the reaction of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev after hearing yesterday that he will not face Tsarukyan tonight.
“Instead, as Makhachev chases lightweight history, he is confronted by a man who was given the opportunity of a lifetime on one day's notice, a man who cannot afford to lose, Renato Moicano.”
Anik, a consummate professional, will undoubtedly set the stage for what should be an excellent night of MMA action at UFC 311; regardless of who faces Islam Makhachev in the main event.
UFC coach reveals when Arman Tsarukyan's injury started causing him problems
The announcement that Arman Tsarukyan was out of his title fight less than a day before UFC 311 came as a shock; although his coach has now revealed the problem started happening last Tuesday.
“It wasn't that bad, and we thought it was because it was the end of camp and the body was kind of feeling it,” he told MMA Junkie, adding, “He took a few days off and it he was doing well.
“Everything went great, the spasms and the pain were there, but he got through it, he never thought about not fighting, never.”
Unfortunately, as he continued to lose weight, the pain from back spasms continued to worsen and for someone who often “complains” of pain, Tsarukyan's team knew they had to take action.
“He still wanted to fight and get through it, we started losing weight and after a few sessions he couldn't do it anymore… Unfortunately, [the doctor] made the decision that it was wise not to fight because he couldn't even stand, he couldn't even sit up.”
Bloody Elbow wishes Tsarukyan a speedy recovery, but the show must go on!
UFC 311: Makhachev vs Moicano takes place in just a few hours, live from the Intuit Dome in Los Angeles.
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