WWE Latest News: MMA Announcer Mauro Ranallo Joins Smackdown Broadcast Team
Veteran mixed martial arts announcer and commentator Mauro Ranallo will be joining the Smackdown broadcast team of the World Wrestling Entertainment.
Ranallo has been notably known for his previous work as the play-by-play commentator of the now defunct Japan-based mixed martial arts promotion company PRIDE Fighting Championships.
Alongside former UFC legend and MMA veteran Bas Rutten, the tandem served as the broadcast panel for the promotion's pay-per-view broadcasts in North America from 2003-2006. As PRIDE FC eventually went out of business, Ranallo continued with his work within the mixed martial arts circuit as the play-by-play commentator for another defunct promotion company Strikeforce. He served as a member of its broadcast panel from 2008 until the company's closure in 2013. Ranallo will now be part of the WWE Smackdown broadcast team.
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In an interview with Sports Illustrated, the 45-year old sports broadcaster confirmed the news, noting that it was an opportunity he immediately jumped onto as soon as it opened up.
"This was an opportunity I did not think I would get at this point of my career and I jumped on it. I have been a lifelong fan of the product," Ranallo said.
The report adds that it was veteran WWE broadcaster Michael Cole, who deals with the broadcast talent development for the company, who was the one who emailed Ranallo about working with the company.
"Michael said that when Vince saw the Warren Buffet video, it seemed to cinch it," Ranallo explained. "They believed I could sell the entertainment part."
In addition, Ranallo will be keeping the commentator job he currently holds for Showtime Network's GLORY Kickboxing.
In another report by Cageside Seats, it is said that this is not Ranallo's first time working within the professional wrestling circuit. Born in Abbotsford, British Columbia, Canada, he got an announcing job at the age of 16 for Vancouver's All-Star Wrestling. In 1999 and 2000, Ranallo was also connected with Stampede Wrestling.
