Jon Anik suggests cutting ‘150 fighters’ from the UFC roster

Jon Anik has some ideas that he believes would make the UFC more streamlined and enjoyable.

Anik is the foremost play-by-play commentator for the UFC, and will make the move from ESPN to Paramount with the promotion this year. He is extremely passionate about the gig, but as a fan, admits there are things he’d change about the promotion.

One of the main things would be shortening the length of events by reducing the number of fights per card.

What Jon Anik would change about the UFC:

-Cut shows from 8 hours to 5 hours
-15 fights a card to 10
-Not sign as many fighters off DWCS

This will make the product more “palatable” for the fans. pic.twitter.com/4ZQ9K7yhIk

— Spinnin Backfist (@SpinninBackfist) January 17, 2026

“I think our biggest challenge is our events are way too long,” Anik said during a recent podcast appearance (via Spinnin Backfist). “We should have 10 or 11 fights instead of 15. Even if you wanted to make [our broadcasts] five or six hours, I’d be ok with it.

“We ask a lot of our fans,” he added. “Eight hours times 41 Saturdays.”

Jon Anik suggests downsizing the UFC roster

That said, Anik understands it’s not that simple. The UFC has obligations to many broadcasters, and a massive roster of fighters to keep busy. To combat that, the commentator suggests significantly shrinking the UFC roster by cutting over 100 fighters.

“We have a lot of masters to serve,” he said. “Television partners in different countries. A lot of different things. A roster north of 600 [fighters]. We’re getting 50 fighters signed on the Contender Series every year which I think is less than ideal.

“I would 150 fighters off the roster. I would do 10 fights a card and just make it a much more ingestible, palatable sporting event.”

What do you think of this take from Jon Anik? Does the UFC need shorter events and a smaller roster?