Jamie Varner Attacks Laura Sanko on X | WEIGHING IN

Big John McCarthy and Josh "The Punk" Thomson react to Jamie Varner's comments toward Laura Sanko after UFC Vegas 89.
Join us on ONLYFANS for FREE!
Watch WEIGHING IN XTRA here: / weighinginxtra
Listen on iTunes: apple.co/37XsRQ9
Listen on Spotify: spoti.fi/3jSZSiZ
Listen on Google Podcasts: bit.ly/3jKXV82
NEW MERCH WEBSITE - weighinginmerch.com
FOLLOW the team on Twitter and Instagram | @weighingin | @johnmccarthymma | @therealpunk | @podcastdave

[@iiRolltide]

Maybe it’s because I been watching the last like 3 seasons of the contender series but I like Laura’s commentary and it feels normal to me. It took me a few fights in to really notice that she was commentating last weekend. Plus she gave us one of the best moments ever during a weigh in show when she said what everyone was thinking about Norma dumont and her dump truck so I’ll always love her for that moment 😂

[@hilihkintil6789]

6:24 it was when she called Ezekiel choke in the fight between volkov vs tuivasa, saving DC from calling the wrong choke for sure 😂

[@RurouniKenshinShinta]

Well said, thanks for defending Laura, she really is a great addition to the UFC world, she's knowledgeable and adds her own unique view to the fights and the sport. You couldn't have said it any better, she's a pro at what she does and I wonder if there are many people out there who can offer the same insight at the manner she does. Not many people are good at commenting its a hard job to be good at, take Dominick Cruz whos been in there, has been a champ and is a vet of the game but people absolutely hate him, same with DC, Michael Bisping, and even Dan Hardy. It's a hard job. Respect for standing up for her, I only wish more people from the UFC world did the same because she really is great and the last thing we need is kicking invaluable additions like her, Jon Anik, DC, Dom, and many others who have caught backlash by the MMA community. Like you guys said, people hate change and it's honestly counter productive for the sport, we want this thing to last and flourish, not stagnate or die out. Nothing but respect to you guys. 💯

[@Alexander-lc7dx]

Laura’s knowledge is incredible and she performs really well from commentary tonñninterviews

[@eriklarson9137]

"tonñninterviews" I fully agree.

[@Alexander-lc7dx]

@@eriklarson9137 new kind of interview. Exclusive to MMA. I don’t make the rules 🤷🏻‍♂️

[@zealpulses3826]

100% agree

[@iceKOId]

She’s awful, “Ohhhh Owwww” every punch

[@kameronnelson1211]

Lauras response was kind but I felt it cut deeper than anything that could have been said. No arrangement of angry words could have been more insulting. Truly a facepalm of powerslap proportions.

[@glenshort6567]

Laura’s response was as classy as it was humbling.

[@AlbertBradberry]

And the brain damage and the brain damage and the brain damage

[@snevets3415]

Oh hey Master Roshi when did you get here?

[@Jackdelroy1]

Laura will be around much longer than Varner

[@harveybirdman_23]

True but Varner had a good career an she is annoying sometimes

[@Jackdelroy1]

@harveybirdman_23 Everyone is annoying sometimes...lol.

[@Xformat01]

Varner's mistake was thinking that we like him more than we like Sanko. He is wrong.

[@MrDaffysci]

Best response possible by Laura.. big W

[@flipamaze1356]

Laura is knowledgeable, humble and funny. She should be the mandatory commentator for all the UFC matches.

[@nSpiraliArchitectb]

She's actually one of the better commentators. I feel several of the fighters who "commentate" get lazy with research/homework and honing their skill in the art of sport commentating because they have their fight experience to lean on for credibility.

[@jacobnickelsonn]

I disagree I think she has a bad style of commentary but she is knowledgeable atleast

[@bo2839]

She definitely is not one of the "better commentators". Saying she is better than those with years of experience is ignorant. She is average at best, but she is still new to the commentating game, give her a few years to become great. But at the moment she isnt top 5, and there arnt exactly alot of commentators.

[@darcebader2126]

Saying the others are better just because they did it longer is what's ignorant. ​@@bo2839

[@Tippet76]

I've heard Varner's commentary in smaller leagues in Arizona. I was not impressed.

[@tommydaniel5563]

I like josh thomson. He can describe the fight game .Big John is great too

[@trencehumphries645]

Was Laura really that bad tho? I didn't hear anything too out of place. She seems to be getting better honestly.

[@finnmarr-heenan2397]

Honestly how is anyone complaining about anyone’s commentating before bisping, dude just waffles on and on and on

[@bo2839]

@@finnmarr-heenan2397 Agreed. Bisping makes alot of irrelevant points that actually take away from the fight instead of adding to it. He isnt exactly a wordsmith...remember, he was paid to punch and get punched in the face...so you cant expect him to be very articulate.

[@lukeydukey20]

Laura is an absolute gem. Beautiful, knowledgeable, well spoken. She is great at her job.

[@bo2839]

Great at her job. But average at commentary, theres no doubt you can hear the difference in experience when she speaks versus dom, felder, anik etc.. but in a few years she will be there

[@2023lm]

Jamie who???? Sanko is the full package......enough said

[@ShotofJameson]

Imo, she over talks the crew consistently and definitely trying way too hard. She’s getting better and better each event though.

[@BrandonHeat243]

I really don't get "you try too hard" as a criticism. Aren't people supposed to try hard?

[@jameswoods6900]

I thought everyone loved Laura Sanko? She is more informed then most men, and she is beautiful and a lovely person!

[@bo2839]

Laura is great, but we strickly judging on commentating here... Also you say "most men" ... no sht she knows more than your suburban dad who has never trained in his life or like 99% of fans of the UFC who are men... but she definitely doesnt know more than most "UFC fighters"... lets not compare her to anik, felder or dom on the commentary, its not even close. Laura will get there, but she is still new to commentary, she needs a good few years. Also, from your comment, you sound like a casual.

[@jimmurray8483]

Sanko is one of the very best

[@cobrakaicyberdon]

I love how Laura kept her reply classy, whilst still making varner look silly. 😂

[@fromtheheart5904]

Bless you guys

[@00Spiral007]

Laura is a beast. One of the best commentators UFC has.

[@surelysmith]

Laura is not only doing an amazing job, with all the different jobs she has, she has been a total professional. She can use her looks more but she is insisttant on gaining experience and more knowledge than using only her looks. I'm surprised you didn't mention rather look at her than DC all day.

[@alanclinton4239]

Josh raises a good point about "the way the voice comes across." As good as the UFC is at visual production, they stand to improve sonically. Namely, the levels of people like Cruz and Sanko need to sound as if they are the same as DC or Bisping. The levels of the former two need to be raised, as their registers and delivery are not being "picked up " properly, even though their commentary is equally informative and funny as the vocally louder boys. Chael, of course, requires his own soundboard.

[@alc3781]

I would like optional commentary. Just the cage side audio would be good

[@Treeezzz]

I saw Benson Henderson tap Varner live at a WEC event back in 2010. It was dope

[@robertmickey1514]

Josh, your explanation was right on! People are used to men on the mic. Keep up the good work

[@michaelposner7435]

So trying hard is now a bad thing? Varner probably speaks with a vocal fry just to let you know how he little cares (and tries).

[@eriklarson9137]

I just love that you guys continue to use the clips format, but refuse to acknowledge it. "Original". What?

[@lourencorp-ly6tn]

its not a cut clip from a podcast

[@TheSophisticatedSavage]

Laura Sanko is a G Whoo the fook is that guy?

[@eriklarson9137]

Imagine cosplaying as an MMA fan, but not knowing who Jamie Varner is. And you call Laura Sanko a "G". Ummm... I can't even on that one.

[@EazyDuz18]

@@eriklarson9137 only weaklings 'cant even' sounds like low T go to a dr

[@Ghost-pe2tm]

@@eriklarson9137average new mma fan these days man

[@codygismondi4459]

​@eriklarson9137 so funny lol thinking the same thing , that's why they aren't clowning Jamie cause they know . But ya could just say let's see how he commentaries I'm sure it's not ez

[@AJproductionsful]

Laura sanko has more mma fights than big John has…

[@Gotzit]

Now let’s not compare Laura sanko to the guy who created the mma rule system….lmao

[@AJproductionsful]

@@Gotzit just stating facts

[@keithkellogg5325]

Jamie Varner just put his foot in his mouth again

[@youtubeconnollyfamily]

I never knew she actually fought. That’s the only thing I agreed with him about is that I wish it was a female fighter doing it because I believe a retired female fighter should get a job like that. I know Laura was not some big name fighter because I didn’t even know she did fight but at least, she has stepped inside that octagon, which 90% of females cannot say even if it’s not in the UFC

[@meatrocket6979]

Sanko was fucking up like crazy during the broadcast

[@Thijszz]

I love her commentary and think she has great value especially with bisping or dc.. they can go off on all kinds of shit making it a podcast but with Laura on the team they keep it with the fights going on. Any other Laura combo is great as well but this stood out to me and i love it.

[@djvernski]

Sanko is awesome. Looks great and knows what she’s talking about. Great sense of humour and is a really good guest on podcasts.

[@cobrakaicyberdon]

I remember seeing laura sanko fighting. I think it was in invicta. 🤔 but i definitely saw her fight. Edit: im glad they do mention in this vid, that she has fought in the cage.

[@trojansasori3526]

Respect to Laura. That's how you answer

[@trojansasori3526]

DC is bias not horrible. That's why fans have a problem with him

[@pauls8304]

Have no problem with Sanko's commentary, and she's hot

[@ruperttackie2904]

Well in guys ! stand up for her she's doing a great job .

[@storms4063]

I was hoping Laura was calling the fight that night. She’s a pro!!!

[@riqorivas]

Josh is trippin. DC is unbelievably biased. Kinda like Josh. So I guess I understand why he doesn’t think his commentary is bad. They have the same training partners. Support many of the same fighters.

[@phyush355]

I'd rather have Laura commentate then Dominick Cruz. I have to watch the fight on mute when Dominic is commentating

[@ricardopelo6385]

Beyond true.

[@Giz9172]

Man Forealz!!!!

[@cadebearden8881]

Idk how this isn’t the top comment!

[@michaelfranzese4975]

I train bjj casually, NOWHERE near a professional fighter of any kind. I'll be very honest, when it comes to grappling commentary Sanko definitely knows her stuff. I've actually been really impressed by her foresight. Depends on what you like. Cruz is easily the most technical, Rogan is the best hype man and if you're a fan of any fighter from Dagestan DC is your favorite lol.

[@karl.anthony]

100% gents … Laura is class!!

[@dtruth5769]

SO IS JOSH SAYING LAURA DOES IT ALL😂😂

[@kaylafyi]

I don't mind Laura she's very intelligent when it comes to the fight game does she always say the right things no but same with Rogan and Anika she certainly knows what she's talking about about

[@ILLGamingg]

No one would care if she was butters

[@ProjectN64]

It shocks me how many dorks run to defend Sanko, sure she's knowledgeable but her commentary sucks

[@cyborg-zl2mc]

I cant picture Holms doing a better job than Sanko. that guy is just butt hurt

[@TheLoPresti]

I think Laura does a good job. She sometimes will try to talk over people which happens but I’m sure she’ll get even better at it than she already is. She seems driven enough to try to get better. I don’t mind her at all.

[@zealpulses3826]

Laura is a great commentator. She has a background in fighting and knows her jiu-jitsu. She's just as good as Rogan and DC calling out submissions and tactics fighters are setting up. I definitely prefer her over Anik talking about personal irrelevant facts about fighters. "JAMAHAL HILL father of 6 kids...blah blah blah..." go listen to Anik after Jamahal beat Glover.

[@stephenstuckey]

She is better than most men. Stop the bullshit already.

[@imjustsam1745]

Laura is a bigger deal than Jamie. I get why he's salty he gave his body to the sport and the fanbase has chosen to love Laura. It makes me like him less.

[@lukesosby3241]

Laura is a pretty blonde in 2024 with fabulous professional skills - SHE AINT GOTTA DO THIS. Clearly loves the sport past, present, and future

[@davidkershaw5379]

I like sanko and her input into the ufc as a whole. Her commentary is always fair, and accurate when describing positions and potential subs punches ect! We are all entitled to opinions Jamie’s comments however are way off. And she doesn’t stick her cleavage in your face so you can’t concentrate on the commentary, which they get a lot of undeserving women to do. So don’t listen to Jamie, it’s probably just love digs.

[@greenskyline2889]

Laura is one of the best IMO...f´ Varner, Josh is right

[@Mockracy]

Laura is a good addition but guaranteed everyone is going to defend her. If he was saying that about a man……

[@mattwicks8356]

Just a heads up Boyz...I've been unsubscribed 3 times from this channel

[@joshuathomson7179]

What do you mean you’ve been unsubscribed ? Josh Thomson

[@mattwicks8356]

@@joshuathomson7179 means I subscribed, and later on when I watch a video, I end up having to subscribe again...have notifications on and never get a notification of when a video is coming out like I get with other channels that I am subscribed to

[@ohjaeciii]

Commentary on the fights are trash anyways so Sanko being complete shit doesn't mean much. I've watched fights on mute ever since Jan/Izzy.

[@keithkellogg5325]

I think she is great

[@bradvecellio9465]

laura is better than dc

[@mattwicks8356]

Senior is cool and trying hard to be the best she can be and that's a hell of alot more than most do...+ she's hot af...let's be honest and that's why mfs are hating...stop drinking that haterade

[@Choad-yf4fp]

Rogan never fought and holm is awkward on the mic

[@kevincannell895]

Sanko❤❤❤

[@michaelpersonalvids9637]

I don’t mind. I feel like the best commentators are the ones who competed in that sport I’m not a fan of females commentating football and baseball because they do not play those sports.

[@Choad-yf4fp]

Agreed. Rogan never fought

[@colton4261]

To be honest I would prefer Holly Holm as a commentator over Laura Sanko

[@Rezzing]

You’d rather hear Dominick do the play by play over Jon Anik too I bet lol

[@zsuira]

No, just no.

[@elcrucius]

In khabib's words, this is no 1 bullsht opinion brathar 🤣 Laura is genuinely one of the better commentators in my opinion. Most of the female (and male) ufc fighters on the roster dont have anywhere near the personality required to be on the commentary team. If fight iq alone made you a better commentator, the ufc wouldve hired jon jones, gsp and khabib for the commentary team instead of anik, sanko, rogan etc. DC, Bisping are the only fighters with the personality to hold a casual fan's interest while still injecting their fight iq into the discussion.

[@dtruth5769]

YOU GUYS ARE ALWAYS LATE TO THE STORY 😂

[@lourencorp-ly6tn]

shes screamong loud trying to secure her job. thats what it seems. npt so hard to say or admi

[@claytonjohn6473]

It doesnt matter who commentates if they are respectful, and as long as they sound nothing like hbo or showtime boxing commentary. Talk about a bunch of nob polishers.

[@keithkellogg5325]

Laura is great the end

[@waynecharlesdumezdumez5858]

I hope pfl are bellator let big john commentat a full card those other commentators suck

[@samhatch1657]

The worm

[@syntholshoulders1842]

Just like thete is award for being good thete needs to awards for being The worst referee in UFC MARC I STOP FIGHTS EARLY SPECIALLY IF TITLES GODDAR Laura sanko is an excellent commentator she might even be too good

[@bootleg7650]

It is different, But ive started enjoying her on commentary, I think shes great, Beautiful on the eye as wel, Id rather listen to her that Dominick Cruz, Cruz maybe technically a good commentator but he has no character and is such a bore.

[@lordkira9791]

who the hell is jamie varner

[@mmafyasco]

casual

[@eriklarson9137]

@@mmafyasco Right? This is 100% saying "Who is Scotty Pippen" on an NBA page. The best part is being proud of being ignorant.

[@EazyDuz18]

some bum who hasnt faught since like 2004 lol

[@mikecannady9064]

The only thing more immature than what Jamie said, especially considering he’s never been a commentator, is two grown men talking about it like 12 year old girls. OH EM GOD! Did you hear what Jamie said about Laura? Well I’ve got a better question. Who effing cares? John was around before social media. If this was happening in 1992 everyone would be laughing at him for taking any of this seriously. The world needs to grow up.

[@Bish0pgaming]

its crazy how relevant jamie varner became over night off her name, I'm with you, no one cares, its an opinion of someone who literally doesn't matter lol, if GSP or something said that about Laura it be a little more interesting but jamie varner...and then these two covering it like its a political scandal, they got their views though :)

[@ZenoSama_]

Then why’d you click on the video? Why’d you write a paragraph? Seems like you care a lot..

[@vlada]

They care because drama is a big, big part of MMA now. It's what drives interest for cards and KZbinrs. It's middle schooler behaviour and all these channels count on drama to get clicks. "Did you hear what X said? Did you hear Y's replies? OMG!!" People in the industry protecting their own is not a surprise. Fighters can say all kinds of crazy things but say something about the media especially if female and the white knights are up in arms. Would you care if some unknown fighter said "Anik is a whiny c*nt"?

[@vlada]

​@@ZenoSama_ you have/make zero sense. How would you know about this topic unless you knew about it before hand? The way it works is: you see the topic and don't know anything about it. You then listen to find out what it's about. THEN you go "What the f**k did I just waste my time listening to?! After which you leave a comment telling them they are junior high drama queens. Nothing wrong there. Now if you go to ten sites and heard this story already and then bitch, that's a different story.

[@gunner-qf9eh]

@@vlada And exactly how do you know this isn't the original posters 10th different site he has bitched/whined /cried about this topic?

[@calmic75]

Have zero problem with her. He sucked!

[@D-V-C-N]

Laura is surprisingly much better than DC, Rogan, and Bisping all put together

[@robertgustke652]

Absolutely not

[@jerm13088]

Someone has a crush! 😂 Laura is gettting better every event and it has been nice to see her growth since DWCS

[@iceKOId]

She is awful, “Ohhhh Owwww” every punch

[@LT-sz1fj]

Felder used to be a favourite now he’s just whiny and thinks he’s always right , I’d say that announcing trio for the last Apex card was the worst they have especially during the bite sequence listening to them was infuriating

[@HotRoute7]

Laura Is lookin better and the better the more I hear Rogan & DCs tired ass voices

[@eriklarson9137]

Wow. What a hot take. You are attracted more to Laura than DC or Rogan. I mean... Ok then. That really bolsters her stance as a broadcaster.

[@Ruminator]

For me, when it comes to people who actually comment on the technical aspects of martial arts, give me Dan Hardy, Luke Thomas, and Laura Sanko all day long.

[@DanielBagavan]

Luke? 🤢🤮. So you like constant political statements in your commentary? And remind u he has a brown wife in every video? What a clown.

[@DanielBagavan]

Luke? 🤢🤮 So you like the constant political grand standing in your commentary? And he has to always remind people his wife is br0wn as if it matters. What a clown.

[@DanielBagavan]

Luke? 🤢🤮 So you like the constant political grand standing in your commentary? And he has to always remind people his wife is (b r0 wn) as if it matters. What a clown.

[@DanielBagavan]

Luke? 🤢🤮 So you like the constant political grand standing in your commentary? And he has to always remind people his wife is b r o w n as if it matters. He was good on the MMA Beat back in the day, but quickly became a political mouthpiece rather than covering MMA. It's pathetic.

[@DanielBagavan]

Luke is absolutely awful 😂 as a commentator and person.

[@Joe-cp5ud]

You can’t say people don’t know about commentating when we have multiple channels on KZbin who commentate over the fights that get hundreds of thousands of views during these fights.

[@PyroPry11]

She's awful

[@zooyork1300]

Laura Sanko simps identified

[@luislopez6315]

I disagree with your take on this one because I think that he wants to see UFC female fighters get jobs doing other things from what I read but I actually love Laura’s commentary and love her with Felder and Fitz way more than Jon, DC and Joe Rogan if I have to be honest. She is like so knowledgeable and passionate about the sport and it shows.

[@stevenf2225]

All those things are true but nonetheless Laura is still a bit of an annoying chatterbox. And that’s nothing to do with being a woman. I like Laura doing interviews, and her videos with Megan Anderson were hilarious, but her commentary is still is a bit weird, nerdy, chattery, academic, aloof etc.

[@AUSSIEBLOKE76]

I mute commentary and listen to MMA GURU call fights

[@toddjohnson5176]

That guy is cheesy AF .

[@crazycasy]

You have to be a worm to spend energy nitpicking laura sanko when there are actually things happening in this country/world we should be picking apart

[@lordvongg]

Laura isnt good at comentating. Sorry he is right

[@robertgustke652]

Unfortunately jamie varner is correct here ! She truly is an awful commentator . Said to say but it's true

[@mmafyasco]

She’s had more MMA fights than you. Knows more about jujitsu than you. gets more views on her channels talking about MMA than you ever will. Just shut up.

[@robertgustke652]

@@mmafyasco so I guess cause I think she is awful as well I hurt your feelings somehow. Damn man can't people have an opinion anymore ?

[@mmafyasco]

@@robertgustke652 you can have a stupid opinion. I’m just giving you my opinion as to why yours is stupid.

[@intellectic9155]

@@mmafyascoSure, pal. Sanko's never going to let you touch her. Stop this white knighting, you're embarrassing yourself.

[@leoguillot8381]

100%

[@geo5291]

And I will also say, I'm a fan and I almost hate Laura... bc I want to and can never amount to her. But that's also fine, doesn't mean I gotta bring her down. Wish I was like her, wish I was with someone like her- toocbad. Gj Laura, always good to watch you, even if I know that you are better in life than i can ever be.

[@Deeplycloseted435]

I don’t think she is that bad, especially compared to other former fighters who do the same job. She can stan a bit over certain fighters, but so does Joe Rogan, almost constantly.

[@geo5291]

This is normal, and thank God we have it- so we have enuf conflict to speak of. A perfect world, is a boring world. Plus, the economy won on this one ;.

[@geo5291]

N hey, I disagree with 2 numbskulls. And I don't know u . And let's keep it that way, but thanks for putting these out, talking like friends amongst friends. This is human, and this is awesome, even if I don't always agree with ya. Fuck u 2, from the bottom of my heart and the bottom of my love gun.

[@geo5291]

Eh I fucked that up, but I'm sure u get it. Keep it rel ya fuckin Virgo n libra assholes.

[@patrickdesimone8310]

I agree with Jamie Varner