Laura Sanko on Her UFC Ascent, Jon Jones at Heavyweight & Islam Makhachev's Run | Morning Kombat RSD

Luke Thomas and Brian Campbell sit down with UFC Commentator & Analyst Laura Sanko on the Room Service Diaries couch. Laura and the guys talk about what made her want to fight early on, What advice they would give to aspiring Commentators/Analysts and how she got her job at the UFC. Laura also breaks down how she thinks Jon Jones will do at heavyweight, How long Islam Makhachev will be champion and what her DMs are looking like these days.
(00:00:00) - Intro
(00:02:30) - UFC 281 Fight Week
(00:03:20) - UFC Reporter & Analyst Job
(00:10:10) - Dana White Contenter Series
(00:14:00) - Passion for Combat Sports
(00:15:45) - Deciding to Compete in MMA
(00:20:30) - MMA Community Pushback
(00:28:30) - Advice for Aspiring Broadcasters/Reporters
(00:33:00) - First Real Job in MMA
(00:35:50) - Professional MMA Fight
(00:38:15) - Laura's DM's
(00:40:00) - Fighting Career
(00:41:40) - Goals in Combat Sports
(00:54:30) - Kathy Long
(00:57:00) - Growing up in the 90s
(00:59:15) - Jon Jones
(01:04:00) - Islam Makhachev
(01:06:30) - Adesanya vs. Pereira
(01:08:30) - Bantamweight Title Picture
(01:10:15) - Middleweight Title Picture
(01:11:30) - Dana White's Power Slap League
(01:13:00) - Kayla Harrison
(01:14:00) - Close
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#MorningKombat #LauraSanko #DanaWhite #UFC #ufcnews #JonJones #IslamMakhachev #MMA #KaylaHarrison #PowerSlap #SeanO'malley #alexpereira #LukeThomas #BrianCampbell
MORNING KOMBAT WITH LUKE THOMAS AND BRIAN CAMPBELL, Showtime's first live digital series, spotlights the weekend’s biggest news from the world of combat sports. MORNING KOMBAT airs live every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 11AM ET / 8 AM PT.
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[@jcadams967]

Laura is awesome! Looking forward to her on the desk for a PPV. Feels like an inevitability

[@ProjectN64]

Last thing I want to hear is a woman commentating

[@sarcasticgenius8563]

@@ProjectN64 Good thing the UFC (along with anybody else that matters) don't give a fuck what you want

[@TheAruthor]

Imposter!!

[@AXharoth]

@@ProjectN64 trash

[@artefloe7676]

@@ProjectN64 and why is that?

[@brookesoloman1710]

Laura complimenting Luke's vocab was the highlight of his 20 year career

[@chriscolon17]

Sanko for Hammer of the Month

[@sallgoodman2323]

Luke has an extensive range of vocabulary, however it's often wasted on the majority of his audience.

[@dyyylllaannn]

he really took the compliment in stride

[@mhdabdeen8562]

@Christopher P. Braxton it's the readings he does, I noticed the lack of vocabulary because I don't read a Loy, and noticed the opposite in people who do

[@lukats1549]

Time stamp?

[@odogg819]

Brian sat next to Laura with ALL the energy of a 6th grade school dance. I’ve never seen BC so terrified and shy 😂😂

[@jakethesnake4971]

He just got off the 8th row of the delta flight, he's a little jet lagged. I get just like that when I get stoned.

[@Subfightr]

@@jakethesnake4971 bummer :( at least he can smell where she sat

[@Liverpool67890]

He looks SUPER high if you ask me lol

[@jakethesnake4971]

@@Subfightr she seemed at least slightly charmed by bc's BDE

[@Papoose316]

She is a badda tho. Considering he’s a nerd and married p, he was trying to contain his perv. 😂🥴

[@wolfman8449]

"I never felt like I was good at anything" Something I many others can relate to to you younger people, it gets better in your 30's+. You figure it out, you understand your strengths more, you strategize and implement more efficiently. Don't worry about it, there will be a time where you find what you are good at and you will thrive.

[@JackDanielsDayLewis]

Amen! On the flipside once your 40 you realize your over half way to death and its all downhill from here. If you dont already own a house and have a few years paid then good luck every owning a home and being able to retire.

[@fibsniper786]

I’m 36 it’s not working When does it start? Thank you in advance

[@FelixIakhos]

Looking forward to it

[@Emily90]

Reading this as a 33 year old ima little worried. .But I’m good at that so that’s something 😂

[@chewkie420]

I'm 34 and still a worthless piece of shit 😞

[@Dudeyland]

Fellas, this was amazing. Thank you for a truly inspiring episode. Laura is a freaking G, happy to see her get the respect and attention she deserves.

[@spd57]

I'll second that! Well said. Thanks guys

[@katelyn9182]

Great episode 👍🏻Thank you for giving Laura the platform to talk about how she got into this career. Laura is a great example for young women and it’s so nice to see male colleagues showing her support and respect in a male-dominated space. Thanks guys 👍🏻

[@seshank]

Never seen BC this bashful 😂. Laura would legitimately be an excellent guest analyst on MK. Make it happen guys. Atleast a pregame preview next time.

[@Frequencyyz]

She may be the perfect BC neutralizer

[@rafaellyle1579]

He didn't want to slip up and bring up Megan Anderson or James krause. lol

[@PEDROVEIGA]

I think there’s a common mistake to position the guest between two hosts. They will always choose one side to the other.

[@toziassmitt]

Both the boys seem awwwwfully friendly 😂

[@KHALABEEB]

@@rafaellyle1579 they recorded this before that came up

[@25Dzone]

Laura Sanko is one of the best things to happen for the UFC from a Presentation / Product point of view - actually having someone who's a great broadcaster AND knows her shit is refreshing.

[@oak8891]

and the other obvious thing isn't bad either

[@Bricktop2023]

She’s been cheating on her husband.. very classy

[@rstlr01]

@@Bricktop2023 video? Asking for a friend!

[@fibsniper786]

@@Bricktop2023 it’s not cheating, they get down like that. Stop being so “Young & the Restless” about it bro, damn

[@mmatakespodcast1idiot793]

@@fibsniper786 yikesssss sorry bout ur sitch my friend

[@P3t3rminator]

Man this one checked all the boxes: Informative, emotional and goddamn funny. This series has places to go and names to take. Congrats!

[@mightyzeus1e]

This might be the best RSD interview ever. Freaking awesome.

[@izaakchater9165]

When she thanked Luke for being the first person to compliment her on her actual analysis skills I felt that

[@arjun_siva]

It's like when Luke selects your qn to answer on his live chat... And then says "that's a very insightful question" ... And then repeats it while he's stalling to think of an answer

[@jessicaj8564]

What was she getting at? That she’s objectified?

[@Oreocycllo]

@@jessicaj8564 yea thats what she was implying. That all people talk about is her looks. I think her analysis are elementary tho. Luke might have been gaming here

[@MegaScumbucket]

@@jessicaj8564 She has a long way to go before her fight analysing skills catch up with her looks...

[@thereignofdando]

I’d be lying if I said I didn’t enjoy looking at Laura, but I especially enjoy listening to her. She’s a great analyst and seems like a dope person to boot. Tremendous conversation team.

[@ayo30s]

Congrats On All Your Success Laura Sanko, You Definitely Do A Great Job, 👊🏾🇳🇬🇺🇸

[@cannabass5729]

Sucked for way up there

[@jake57]

@@cannabass5729 lol but shes actually good at her job so who cares

[@thecount1]

thanks Pereira ,the real fighting champ

[@Bobby-jv8ne]

Bold move by BC wearing sweatpants

[@Dooky-mv1by]

Dude's old and washed totally safe choice

[@jbr865]

Her breakdown on Izzy vs Pereira was on point.

[@bonganimasonabo2364]

Her glasses match the RSDs' 80s vibe. Clever girl, fitting right in.

[@dazzrikio]

She even referenced her "Dahmer" glasses

[@cal9784]

"Clever girl" is more than a bit condescending. You'd never call Paul Felder a clever boy in that way. Yuck.

[@mmatakespodcast1idiot793]

@@cal9784 u sound cuckish

[@fibsniper786]

@@cal9784 she’s a good sweet little baby girl, clever girl. . So good, just the way daddy trained her 😮😮😮😂

[@Maartun]

She should come more often on MK!

[@fofopho]

“Take that Brett” fucking killed me at the end 😂😂😂

[@theguvnor3880]

BC's dreams have come true.

[@Kocain]

By far the best RSD so far! This was awesome.

[@Emily90]

What an episode. She deserves all her success and more!

[@ryanhorsford1714]

The best RSD episode yet

[@stefanigamboa2252]

This was freaking amazing! Love Laura! You guys are hillarious! Sooo many takeaways! Happy New Year Morning Kombat

[@canyonsmith636]

Really good episode guys! Thanks for all that you do

[@WhoIsCalli]

Very fun one, great stuff guys

[@chimbrazo5435]

Fantastic conversation!! Laura is awesome

[@lizze5717]

I love Laura , I think she’s fantastic!! I’m 42 years young and absolutely love everything MMA.. I’m not fighter in the octagon but I’m a fighter in life.. Laura is such an inspiration to many ! Keep up the hard work , we see you 💐

[@SulaimanRafiq]

Great interview and discussion. Really enjoying this series.

[@ScrewYou_]

That chuckle from someone behind the scenes after "TAKE THAT BRETT". Maaaan, this one was great. Second best RSD so far next to DJ.

[@mithilaum]

When did they hire Nadav?

[@KHALABEEB]

The Real Ones LOVE Laura Sanko for two reasons...The Woman REALLY Knows Her Shit, and she's every MMA fans proof that beautiful women who are obsessed with fighting do exist 💯 Mad respect Laura, and your husband is a lucky man!🙏

[@BobRoss-wm3lc]

She cheated on him, oh yeah what a lucky guy… 😂

[@shadytb]

By far and away the best RSD ever. Laura is such a cool and real person. I cannot wait until she she gets to do commentary for Fight Nights or PPVs.

[@dosadi512]

Awesome show gentlemen thank you!

[@Classic_secondline]

Damn Laura look extra good on the show....great shows as always fellas

[@dman2095]

Laura is a godsend... Smart, funny, and her commentary is always on point. And draw dropping GORGEOUS!!!

[@bileductable]

Draw dropping? That's a lawsuit brotha! 😅

[@johnirving8417]

🤣🤣

[@elliottspence]

Was skeptical whether this would top Chuck's episode, but this one was great! Laura was an excellent guest and the last few minutes were so hilarious.

[@redone2728]

Thank you guys, I didn't know much about Laura before

[@jennysedgley8284]

Tremendous. Thoughtful, respectful interview. And she nailed the dynamics of Adesanya v Pereira.

[@marcobucci]

Great episode!

[@tylerkalic5361]

Awesome vibes on this one

[@andreasnordin9023]

Great episode. Thanks.

[@blahblahbag8715]

Best one so far

[@gabediaz1751]

Very fun RSD good stuff guys

[@imalifeformknownasmanuel3019]

Wow, this was fantastic!

[@PhilMarlowe392]

great episode!

[@misremembered72]

Good interview between Luke and Laura

[@anthonyworkman2852]

Got to meet Laura at a local MMA fight here in KCMO was super nice and took time to talk to me and take a pic she deserves all her success

[@waalex11]

This was great.

[@okami6ix629]

nice job on the production

[@okami6ix629]

cool video format

[@kickinitwithkalyn1877]

Laura is great!! Great show boys

[@3rdFloor]

Seen her in the contender series and always felt she knew her stuff. This was an incredible interview ….

[@demonbell8258]

Huge respect Laura! 💪🏻

[@kusanagi0]

Great interview, I don't usually watch this completely but this one has been fun all the way.

[@Daniel_Ilyich]

Laura's awesome. This was a great episode.

[@gordonliu3972]

When Laura admitted she had a crush on Luke's vocabulary, BC got insecure and had to go after Luke's gray hair 🤣 What a moment! 👏

[@lxpang]

It was opportunity for "art".

[@jarrodpairgin6886]

Thank you for giving Laura the spotlight she deserves

[@mattrize1]

At this point the chair choice is just trolling.

[@bol317]

BC is definitely terrified of prolonged eye contact whilst wearing them sweatpants

[@gamebred6995]

Just like any virgin would , in those pants

[@slicvm]

That can helps

[@gordonliu3972]

@@slicvm Yes, the can cooled BC down 😂

[@Slop_Dogg]

great episode. I always forget Luke is 7’4”

[@fartinmartinx1]

Best RSD yet !

[@bjstamina]

What a great interview

[@Rezzing]

James Krause enters the room.

[@akathedame]

Awesome interview! Love Laura Sanko!

[@thegoldenchild661]

Loved the interview

[@waalex11]

The gorgeous Laura Sanko! Solid talent. Hard worker.

[@picklez1532]

I will be the first to admit that Laura has completely changed my view of her over the years. I made the same judgment that she was talking about at first but it didn't take long for me to do my research and I was very happily mistaken in my views. Quite a bit of heart shown in the cage. She is great for the show and the sport. Keep it up your representing KC well.

[@ThatKarol]

Priceless!

[@joaofreitas2899]

Laura's awesome, good job guys!

[@abeeftec]

I actually really like Laura's commentary so the best to her and I hope she's doing fight nights this coming year.

[@MrErick369]

Dropping a like. Going to watch/listen this tomorrow when I’m at work. (my grandma‘s garage)

[@AlexColberg]

Laura Sanko is something very special.

[@gord85wjc]

Brilliant work love it BC LT, LS is super cool, relaxed, educated in MMA and able to convey it real well to the audience, great stuff

[@bazdaniels7420]

Well this was fun. I'd strayed from MK this year. I hadn't had a Laura Sanko experience in probably 2 years, so I cliked & really enjoyed hearing you all talking. But I have to ask, where's the room service?

[@rageoid]

Love to see the palpable difference in tone and deference from BK and LT with Laura in the house !

[@SalaciousBCrumb-md3lk]

So, BC is capable of allowing others time to speak. Wonders never cease!!

[@hihihi1q23]

Sanko is one of the few UFC broadcasters that actually does research. Dan Hardy was another.

[@gamebred6995]

Weirdo

[@colgrey438]

she was also one of the only UFC employees that said nice things about Hardy after he was fired

[@sukhdevr3489]

Complete opposite of Chael Sonnen haha.

[@codyshane2834]

What an incredible show.

[@m_-ph4bt]

Laura is without a doubt my favorite commentator. Great breakdowns every fight, shes part of what made the contender series must see tv. Cant wait until she gets the call a PPV

[@TheBullyDisciple]

Dwcs must see TV? 🤣🤣

[@MacZ3120]

This was Excellent

[@GetToasty]

Laura is a genuine certified badass💪 RSD is also such an awesome MK product. These are great interviews! 🌄👊

[@sharkvsmonk3y709]

Easily the best RSD of the new era....tho I gotta say would be great to see this is the old days too haha

[@ratchison55]

Laura is a real one!

[@ryangeorge3982]

A Rob Kimmons fight at an indoor soccer field im like 03 or 04 is what made me fall in love with the sport too! Shout out to blue corner promotions in KC too!

[@rohan_kokate]

MK needs to clip the BC’s “why” clip. That was good stuff there

[@danieldavidson5220]

BC not commenting on her "head" comment at the beginning showed the restraint of a zen master.

[@willr6026]

The show has peaked 😂😂😂

[@FelixIakhos]

I don't think I've ever seen so many comments praising someone, she seems to be universally liked. Good on her!

[@DeRock401]

Oh now it makes sense

[@buttamob6450]

One of my favorite RSD episodes.

[@its-probably_fine]

She is so knowledgeable and on point with her commentary, sad to hear that wasn't obvious to everyone for her to "earn respect". Her and Dom are my faves when it comes to breaking down the technique. Looking forward to her success!

[@ojblackcat5286]

What are you talking about? You have to earn respect. That's how it works.

[@hemogoblin6789]

@Seshank Shekar has the right idea. Pregame preview with Laura and also Chuck, though. Make it happen, boys

[@Rau-AR]

More of this type of content guys, this is awesome, and Luke change that tiny couch of yours that looks silly.

[@JCthaRevolutionary]

Sanko is a Living Legend ❤

[@mitchbaseman121]

1:06:54 Sanko nails her prediction on Izzy vs. Alex She’s a brilliant talent. Can’t wait to see her at the PPV level asap

[@anthonyvilla5068]

It’s always great to see Laura on the broadcast. Of course I feel the same way when I see guys like Luke, BC and TJ De Santis on a broadcast too. Good interview

[@chrissmets9587]

Best Room Service Diaries eeeeeeeeeever Laura rules

[@sanield2782]

Not gonna lie, BC's little talk about his 'why' was actually mad inspiring.

[@jryan6013]

Please have her on again. She was great!

[@stephent601]

These RSD intros are always a 10/10. Great interview, Laura is the broadcasting GWOAT

[@Zagreu5]

It seems like Luke’s chair is getting smaller and smaller 😂

[@sallgoodman2323]

This is great! Good talk you three💯👍