Laura Sanko: From a Karate Kid to a UFC Commentator

Learn more about Laura Sanko's story growing up as a karate kid, becoming an Invicta FC fighter, to a UFC commentator.
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#UFC

[@TheCajunNinja]

Laura Sanko is the best. She’s multitalented and also takes so much time to respond to fans. She works so hard, yet still answers so many comments on a daily basis. She deserves this. Bravo Laura! 👏🏻👊🏻

[@jaredleclerc4434]

@aloevv𖤐 SHE'S IN ME DM'S

[@DV-ol7vt]

Wats cookin!

[@almightyfonics]

@aloevv𖤐 Lol

[@c3bhm]

She is the perfect example of the road to real and healthy 'equity', where she is DESERVING of her position. She's there as a woman because of her MERIT, rather than being shoe-horned in via affirmative-action. But our society is being slowly ruined by the reduction of standards and the violation of basic principles to put UNdeserving women or people-of-color into positions that they DO NOT merit, solely for the sake of artificially pumping up diversity-quota statistics.

[@gianluca4067]

BravA

[@trophyking]

Laura is a great pickup for the UFC, hope she stays around for a long time

[@delphipriestess9968]

The shots of Laura Sanko and James Krause rolling and grunting and heavily breathing aged like wine

[@rugoshath]

What I love about Sanko is that she actually knows who's who and what's going on at all times, the fact that she looks like a million bucks as well is just a bonus.

[@joshblack1985]

Glad she has a strong and legit background in MMA and the intangibles of knowing what it feels like to make that walk to the cage. Irreplaceable experience that has no substitute.

[@THIS---GUY]

Yaa OK you gonna tell me firas zahabi isn't legit an mma genius because he doesn't have an extensive pro record? Drop the gatekeeping bs plenty of sports best coaches never competed in the sport professionally

[@FuuuckOffff]

She has one pro fight.

[@Thawhid]

Im glad too

[@thatguy5779]

@@FuuuckOffff Still experience and has training too, still means she knows what she’s talkin about

[@jmike004]

@@FuuuckOffff and 7 amateur fights

[@Winamp_]

She is honestly legit good at her job, without even considering the looks she is sincerely very educated and has alot of knowledge about MMA and so on. And even without the look she'd do a great job, very well spoken whenever she is on.

[@MakHash420]

Damn, last time i saw you was on windows ME. Where have you been dude, still getting any updates ?

[@artefloe7676]

JetAudio > Winamp

[@ron.hertzberg]

Lmao cuz she was apart of the sport. She was a fan first

[@JohnDoeC78]

@@artefloe7676 that's just wrong, or as Dana would said, that's fookin illegal. Jet was never my friend. It really whips the lammas ass. RIP THE KING 👑

[@arantxaurrutia0]

Seeing Winamp logo is like casually walking into a childhood friend in a random bar. I feel really dumb for writing this, but you know, we human are strange.

[@Victor-fg1ky]

She's a really good commentator. What caught my attention about her was her attention to details especially when it comes to grappling. I remember her discussion table with Daniel Cormier where she was explaining a submission technique. She removed her high heels to explain the concept 😎😊😊 I can tell she and Michael Bisping really understand each other working on the job because they communicate so well when commentating together.

[@Deltaaaaaaaaa]

Laura MF Sanko. What a badass. Seriously, the sport is much better with her in it. What she’s done is awesome, and I am incredibly happy to have her in my favorite sport. I can’t wait to hear her commentate on her first PPV

[@TheJuliet316]

Rumor has it it might be this Sunday in Sydney (since Rogan doesn't do international PPVs).

[@Deltaaaaaaaaa]

@@TheJuliet316 that’ll be pretty cool to see!

[@bigshagger8277]

Sanko is great.... would love to see her calling fights more

[@frba1856]

This is a real badass woman, physically strong, beautiful, talented, well spoken, and confident. Not the annoying hollywood actress/ artist trying to preach agendas.

[@twiggsherman3641]

Or Miesha Tate. When Aspen Ladd's coach was yelling at her to stir her up between rounds, Miesha ran to the media with the pigtails and claimed it was abuse. Laura came out and said it was non-sense, that if women want to be taken equally, they can't demand special treatment, and that a coach sometimes needs to yell at their athlete to get the best performance out of them.

[@passenger3]

100

[@S___________D]

@@twiggsherman3641 What do you expect from Miesha Tate? She's the only fighter that gets 0 money after getting more than 100K paycheck. How stupid do you have to be to let your managers and coaches take all your money? So there's that.

[@t4ngo_kilo]

🤦‍♂️ lol at you, sounds like you don’t like “opinionated women” get out of here with your “agendas” bs.

[@abd-bm3cd]

She really did work her way up & still keeps getting better. Love her conviction & humbleness when she states her points. Such a pleasant way of putting arguments forward yet always invites room for healthy debate.

[@abd-bm3cd]

Unlike Stephan A. ‘Douchebag’ Smith… 😂 😆 😝

[@randomz8065]

What a smart, beautiful and interesting woman she is, truly deserving of everything she has gotten and more. An integral part of the UFC experience. Bless you Sanko.

[@danablack1490]

@ExBeginner No wonder he was saying all those good things about her in this.

[@KannyNguyen]

I think one thing that makes her stand out is that she really puts her personality into her work and also keeps it casual, not too stiff not too formal and boring like every reporter/commentator. She might not seemed to be professional like Megan but she’s fun to watch because she seems closer to fans.

[@igorsenayoutube]

Very well said.

[@MobaCry]

Sure but the boobs surgery did also help her stand out... No taboo, just facts.

[@footballfan6530]

female announcers are a disgrace

[@wonkers]

More relatable

[@finalfantasy8148]

This video just reminds me why we love Laura Sanko. Hope this woman finds nothing but success.

[@JohnnyJitsu11]

Much respect to this woman for thriving and proving herself! Strong work Sanko!!

[@rdicko86]

Sanko is the the absolute best! Get her on a PPV!

[@andreawhitney3385]

So happy for her! I have met her a couple of times and she is such a sweet heart! Congrats to all of your success!

[@5CRALREADY]

Lovely

[@jf1341]

This is amazing. Didn't know Laura was this accomplished. UFC literally attracts the best talent 👌👌💯

[@XBLonTwitch]

7:15 You can just see the happiness on her face. Congrats, Laura! Love seeing you covering the sport I love to watch!

[@bmorrison0070]

Laura always brings such a great sense of energy to her interviews and everything she does. Love that we were treated to her whole story by this segment!!!! I remember Dana saying "be careful what you ask for" when Laura was asking to do more.

[@davidkim2016]

She accomplished pretty much everything via discipline and hard work -- i'm inspired by the heart and dedication

[@michelofelia7735]

Laura's striking is exponentially greater than ben askrens.

[@asonguchap3902]

🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@__D-B__]

My dead gran has better striking than Funky Benjamin.

[@saadiraja8960]

Girl u made me cry. Stay blessed and go strong as you're doing right now. Got a respect for this women. 💕❤️

[@ICUP922]

True inspiration and beautiful person. Deserves everything that comes her way. Breath of fresh air

[@stephenhgreen1026]

Blessed with brains & beauty...Always enjoyed Laura's media work & she absolutely deserves all the accolades 👊

[@NickGranville]

She’s awesome, on every level. So well deserved

[@re_i_gn]

To be one of the very few to do it all (fighting, commentary, interviews, etc.) in a sport, especially in one of the most brutal combat sports imaginable, is such a massive achievement for anyone. PLUS she did it in the world's biggest MMA promotion!!

[@mithai66]

No matter who you are or what you are ,if you start something and dedicate yourself to that task , someone is always watching , Laura Sanko is an exceptional addition to the UFC and deserves her spot to bet there , shes done it all, love her interviews , she brings a great energy , well done and keep being you Laura ,congrats.

[@Lowgenn]

Such amazing stories in MMA. I love watching this sport grow honestly.

[@dynamo6796]

Im Happy for Laura I never seen her fight live but was a huge follower of Invicta when she started interviewing after her baby. Watched all the UFC women fight when they started at Invicta which is another great MMA Platform for up and rising female fighters. Way to Go Laura!! Way to go Shannon.

[@jojoaction80]

Love to see the UFC highlighting their staff ! There are many many other great staff in the background doing great work ! Thank you All !!

[@matthewneville8158]

Great job Laura. I always enjoy when you’re working. Keep up the great work.

[@scooterelway9191]

what a great behind the scene, you deserve everything that happens to you Laura !

[@Vato1979]

You could have left everything out of your sentence after the word behind.

[@ammaaressa]

She's still kicking ass

[@sparky3077]

Iam happy Laura Sanko finally got some recognition!

[@misha2.097]

Laura just know, we the fans love you the most, needed you the most while watching, and appreciate you the most. You're the best and wish you and your family the success. I hope you overachieve all of you're goals. God Bless you!

[@lmclaughlin19]

Get Laura on a PPV commentary team!

[@JFomo]

Laura is great. Love seeing her.

[@JSClark1984]

A fantastic video, well deserved spotlight on such a talented and driven individual. Congrats Laura, you help make the UFC what it is today. 👏

[@Drexler7]

Laura has been a great addition to the overall landscape of UFC media. Great pick for the UFC

[@dhruvcharan5150]

Laura sanko is very good at what she does. And I love her competitive sprit during weigh in show 🔥

[@TheKamurdoch]

Wow,as someone whos been a longtime fan of ufc i feel kind of ashamed at the fact i didnt know how deep lauras roots are in mma! I always respected her as a mma media person because of her knowledge but iv got even more respect for her now! Wow!

[@austinstout1506]

What a badass!! Been watching you for many years now and never knew your story! Thanks Laura and the ufc for the story. Puts a smile on me !

[@Dany-xs7li]

One of the best minds to come across the commentary team! Breath of fresh air

[@franciscogomes9844]

I watched that episode of the contender series and was very happy to see Laura get the opportunity!

[@meos6947]

1:55 Wrestle with Laura Sanko must be something 😍

[@jacobuys4748]

Awesome, Laura! It's such an honor having your example for the younger generation to look up to. You desrve it all. Well done and good luck with the journey, from South Africa!

[@passenger3]

Laura's knowledge and analysis is up there with the very best and what makes her fun is her willingness to involve the fans on a deeper level and understanding - on the fight knowledge and in the arena's/events. The UFC is better with her. WE ❤ YA SANKO ..!

[@martonfitness]

Amazing pickup for the UFC. So knowledgeable

[@fortunecollector]

The grind don't stop for her.

[@stephenvincent4989]

Wow! I’m 80 never watched or really heard of this sport but I do know a winner when I see and hear one. Laura Sanko is a whirlwind and inspiration to all who have a dream and focus from an early age to be an achiever. It couldn’t have been as easy as she makes it out to be but she is the epitome of “The harder you practice the luckier you get”. Well done Laura you deserve all the success that’s coming your way.

[@albsure4832]

Laura Sanko has it all. The complete package!!

[@Tsunami655]

This was a pretty well put together video, i've really enjoyed the banter between Sanko and Cormier on the UFC shows.

[@DBlaze-ol1ku]

So happy for Laura's success! She really has shown where hard work and determination can bring you! She's awesome

[@lucasgregory6375]

Yeah, hard work and determination is surely what got her the commentator gig 🤡

[@tonytyree2971]

She has the recipe. I love this hard work story. So passionate. Inspiring all 🔥

[@giacdeg]

EXCELLENT! My most heart-felt congratulations to Laura Sanko and all she has achieved.

[@MrGon]

this video about Laura was long overdue! SO glad people get to know more about her! I dont agree with some of her beliefs but I can not deny she is very good at what she does! Yes, she is attractive but her determination is out of this world! I hope she accomplishes many more personal goals! fancy Sanko deserves it!

[@mithunnair8587]

Which beliefs bro

[@axelg.8637]

Laura Sanko is the best, put her on UFC Hall of Fame next Year.

[@411Adil]

Laura is the best, so positive energy packed

[@wellnative1]

You go! I wasn't aware of your MMA competition experience and of the years you put in before working at the UFC desk. Great segment. Thanks.

[@michelleklalonde88]

fun fact about this video .. Laura Actually wrote, directed and produced that whole segment ..as well as was her own camera woman 👏 Bravo Laura Sanko the hardest working lady in MMA..

[@TheeChrome]

Can’t disrespect Megan like that

[@isDatBoi]

I don't like her

[@isDatBoi]

Megan Olivi is the OG

[@dirtkills]

@@isDatBoi weird not liking someone you dont know or ever met

[@tycobb41]

@@isDatBoi nobody cares what the woman version of Ben Shapiro has to say either both women are lame and couldn't even win a fight in the ufc

[@twodotsmma..5167]

Lets go sanko we love you. The most relevant woman in mma apart from fighters. Such an inspiration to other woman.

[@XLBlackBoy]

James Krause helped her out alright 👍🏾

[@mmayan]

She puts in the work. I was impressed with her knowledge of breaking down the fights during the contender series.

[@Ritalie]

This was an outstanding video production, and I feel lucky that it was given freely to fans. I believe that you need to replicate THIS exact video for all the key fighters. This is how you can get people invested in someone, without needing to spend several years watching them. I'd love to see a biography like this on Justin Gaethje, Jorge Masivdal, Colby Covington, Bryce Mitchell, Jared Cannonier, Islam Makachev.. Fighter biographies are the final missing piece in marketing.

[@41000mf]

great idea!

[@humbaba_7730]

@@41000mf really is.

[@TheFlyFishingFilmmaker]

Don't they do this for every fight? Maybe not every fighter but the big fights.

[@limhan3209]

Laura is a legend 👌

[@baptist1644]

Such a lovely person.... Genuine and kind. A true professional.

[@konstantinkalashnikov8123]

RESPECT FOR THIS GIRL !!! GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY Laura💯❤

[@pawns2prizes]

She's great for the UFC!

[@syedkhizr792]

Love watching Laura🔥🔥

[@ceyhunozel198]

Very inspirational and badass! Laura Sanko is one of the most genuine and talented people in all regards.

[@hibernative]

Great to get a proper episode of her story. She has a great way to formulating the essence of fighters.

[@AstroTrain100]

Laura and Karyn Bryant are probably the two most respected woman out there that really cover the sport.

[@DarraghM1]

Don't forget Megan Olivi, who lately has been breaking into NFL coverage as well over at Fox.

[@c3bhm]

@@DarraghM1 And don't forget Helen Yee. She's not with the UFC (yet) but her work and style are lovely.

[@SPACECOWBOY705]

@@DarraghM1 Olivi deserves respect for sure

[@northernking4787]

She’s the woman you want your daughters to grow up to be, and your son to marry!

[@stewiegilligangriffin4904]

lol nah

[@daprox3893]

So you want your son to marry your daughter is what you're saying?

[@northernking4787]

@@daprox3893 learn how to read.

[@xH0R0R]

Of course not it’s a transgender

[@daprox3893]

@@northernking4787 have a sense of humour

[@casperaudi7476]

Each UFC Fights I seen I’m glad she doing her job has a reporter Laura Sanko is the best at what she does thank you.

[@OverlandUnknown]

i love watching the UFC, equally love watching and listening to Laura. UFC wouldn't be the same without her.

[@rangozilla6274]

Laura Sanko has become such an integral part of the sport. Her professionalism is to be admired, but what makes her so great is the human side of her that comes over. In short she seems really cool and I never realized the background she has. I respected her before, now even more.

[@zacretzer]

I can't wait until she gets a PPV commentary assignment 🙌

[@garyo475]

I love Laura and her style of interviewing fighters. Great pick up by the UFC, she is perfect.

[@postmortemarg]

This is how respect and equality is earned in the work place. Not by expecting or demanding to be privileged, but showing you belong in an organization through your hard work and dedication. Good looks is the cherry on top.

[@gregoryclark7566]

Laura is awesome. She is talented, determined, and resourceful. She just makes goals, and doesn't let anything block her. She deserves all the success she has earned. What a great asset to the UFC!

[@briantneary2248]

I absolutely f*cking love, Laura Sanko. A true professional, ACTUALLY knows the sport, intelligent, hilarious, smoking hot..... The UFC has their old guard, so it's not too common when a newcomer arrives and fits in so seamlessly. She did from the start. We're lucky to have her!

[@godkingh3441]

Laura is a great addition to the ufc she is beautiful smart and passionate about the sport and really knows her job. i enjoy all the hard work you have put into the interviews and overall knowledge

[@renesandoval-zuniga6096]

Way to persevere! Love the resilience. Good for you Laura, well done. Definitely enjoy your commentating no question you belong.

[@Last_Chance.]

I am 100% in love with this woman. Looks, personality, interests, hobbies, shes perfect.

[@bjornmarley5670]

There's not a man alive that doesn't simp for sanko.....

[@allenkpw6868]

Laura and Megan have done really good things for this sport….. mush respect

[@deeeeee4140]

Good for you Laura!! Such a beast, black belt, mma fighter blessed & gorgeous 🔥😁 You deserve it, worked hard for it 💯 lap the world up Laura! You're a true inspiration for anyone 🤙

[@bhupeshkamal8572]

Now i love her even more. She is doing her job the best way possible. Megan and Laura are two pure gems of ufc when it comes to reporting and commentary.

[@themmasavage]

A TRUE INSPIRATION 👏

[@charles-antoinecote7177]

Laura Sanko is good

[@healingchef]

Her story is amazing an inspiration ✊🏼✊🏼✊🏼

[@faisalmokhtar83]

She is smart and energetic.. she willing to learn and humble.. she is perfect for ufc!!! Congratulations Laura Sanko..

[@ryanhoward8238]

This is rad, I knew she was knowledgeable, but didn’t know about her mma experience!

[@RomekTheCreator]

What a great story!

[@briansteel5295]

She is a great edition to the panel, very informative very knowledgeable, shes done all u can do in the game, she speaks very well, relates to the fighters, plus she is very beatuful

[@justanotherjackleg7073]

Laura is Legit. Laura deserves all of the blessings that are coming her way. Laura is humble, and she's an inspiration to all people. I like Laura.

[@randoir1863]

People ( men or women) have proven time and again if you work hard , put in the time and are good at what you do , it's hard to get overlooked if you're not quiet about what it is you want to do . Congrats to Laura in all that she's done ! Next stop UFC ppv commentary team !!!!!!! See you at the top Laura !!!!!!

[@HelloThere-uh3ll]

That’s cap. You are using the few who made it as the examples. Plenty work hard and don’t make it

[@iminyourhead9936]

She's beautiful too. Do you think if she had a face like a bag of bricks she'd make it as a host. No chance.

[@HelloThere-uh3ll]

@@iminyourhead9936 exactly…like I said this is cap.

[@ricardobjj24]

I always forget that she was a legit mma fighter at one time. She seems like more like a model ❤ looks like Dana likes to hire pretty

[@limhan3209]

She is certainly pretty ! BUT I think the knowledge, delivery and professionalism come ahead of that tho

[@henrikr7445]

Very hard working, versatile and humble, she deserves the success, wish her the best 🌟🙏

[@jbrayda9]

Congratulations to the beautiful Laura sanko. She's earned that spot at the booth.