In a surprise announcement made by AXS TV and AXS TV FIGHTS, famed combat sports announcer Mauro Ranallo will be replacing long running sports commentator Kenny Rice during the eighth of season of Inside MMA, the longest running combat sports program on television. Ranallo will be joining the announce team on Friday, March 25, 2016.
“Mauro Ranallo’s contributions to the success of New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV were undeniable and we are confident he will take Inside MMA
Bas Rutten and Mauro Ranallo team up for ‘Inside MMA’ starting Friday, March 25, 2016.
to new heights. The opportunity to pair the ‘dream team’ together of Mauro and Bas Rutten is exciting and I can’t wait to see what happens when these two super-charged personalities are reunited on March 25,” said AXS TV FIGHTS CEO Andrew Simon.
Ranallo, was on of the voices of PRIDE Fighting Championship with Rutten and the two host a podcast called, Rutten & Ranallo. Ranallo has also been the voice of Elite XC, Strikeforce and King of the Cage just to name a few. He currently is the voice of WWE Smackdown, Showtime Boxing and Glory Kickboxing on ESPN 3.
One of the most recognizable voices in North America, the Canadian-born Ranallo has been behind the mic since he was 16-year-old, working for All-Star Wrestling in British Columbia.
“In a year in which I landed a dream job with WWE, my dream to once again cover MMA and work with my broadcasting brother Bas Rutten has also come true. Filling the shoes of consummate pro Kenny Rice won’t be easy but I can’t wait to return to AXS TV for some strong style MMA coverage!” said Ranallo.
For those fearing that Rice has left the series entirely, there is nothing to worry about, he is moving over to the position of special correspondent and will continue to do interviews from all over the country has covers other various sports for numerous organizations, including the NCAA.
“I am excited to step into the new role as a special correspondent, continuing to bring the exclusive access to our viewers that has been synonymous with Inside MMA over the past ten seasons. It’s a true team at Inside MMA and I welcome longtime friend Mauro Ranallo to it,” said Rice.
Inside MMA airs Friday nights on AXS TV following New Japan Pro Wrestling and AXS TV Fight.
