Jimmy Smith parts ways with Bellator broadcast team after nine years

After more than seven years beside the Bellator cage, commentator Jimmy Smith is stepping away.

The Viacom-owned promotion today announced the sudden departure of Smith in a press release, stating the decision was mutual.

“I am very grateful to the entire Bellator organization and fans for an amazing and unforgettable nine years,” Smith said in a prepared statement. “As I move on to the next phase in my career, I want to wish all of the fighters, producers, and Bellator staff the absolute best.”

Although the announcement didn’t specify the promotion’s future plans, it is assumed current Bellator commentators Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo will assume respective full-time roles in play-by-play and color commentary.

Smith, a former MMA fighter, earned consistent praise for his breadth of knowledge and passion for the technical aspects of the action inside the cage. Along with play-by-play Sean Wheelock, he was an integral part of the Bellator brand during its early years under a tournament format.

After the departure of promoter Bjorn Rebney and installation of former Strikeforce chief Scott Coker in 2014, there were changes beside the cage. Wheelock was ousted, he said, at the behest of executives from TV partner Spike.

More guests also were heard cageside during events, to varying degrees of success. Smith famously tried to corral Mike Tyson as the former boxing champ lolled his way through an apparently drunken interview during Bellator 149.

In June, Bellator announced a permanent change to the lineup, hiring former UFC play-by-play commentator Goldberg and veteran MMA and boxing color commentator Renallo. The promotion didn’t immediately allocate roles for the bigger team and switched the cast members as events progressed.

Details on Bellator’s 2018 on-air team are expected to be announced soon.

For more on Bellator’s upcoming schedule, check out the MMA Rumors section of the site.