UFC: Laura Sanko’s trailblazing journey from fighter to UFC commentator

Sanko has held a number of roles during her UFC broadcasting career, working her way up from a reporter to an analyst and commentator.

But she adds: “The challenge was earning the respect of the guys I worked with, not demanding it and not expecting it to happen overnight. I had to prove I belonged there, not because I was a woman.”

Unlike her male commentator peers, which includes former UFC champions Michael Bisping, Daniel Cormier and Dominick Cruz among others, Sanko carries a bigger weight when she is on air.

Citing criticism from fans on social media, she doesn’t just represent the UFC and martial arts, but women as a whole.

“It’s a different standard for the fans. I feel like I have to get it right, and not just for me,” says Sanko.

“I have to get it right because if I suck, then all women suck. That’s just how it is.”

Sanko is a trailblazer and beams at recalling stories of inspiring girls to start jiu-jitsu, and fathers telling her she is an example to their daughters of “what can be possible”.

“On one hand you want to celebrate it and it is special, but on the other I look forward to the day it is not unique, and it’s not news,” she adds.

“As much as I love being part of the history of this process, it’s also part of my goal that one day it’s not a big deal.”