Mauro Ranallo is set to replace Kenny Rice on Inside MMA later this month.
Mauro Ranallo to replace Kenny Rice on Inside MMA
According to Sports Illustrated, longtime mixed martial arts analyst and color commentator, Mauro Ranallo will replace Kenny Rice on AXS TV’s “Inside MMA” beginning March 25.
Ranallo will be joined by Bas Rutten who has hosted the show alongside Rice for eight years.
Inside MMA is the longest running MMA news show on television.
Ranallo, who started working with the WWE earlier this year told Sports Illustrated:
“I’m blessed to be doing WWE on a weekly basis, and I’ve got Showtime Championship Boxing and Glory Kickboxing, so all that was missing from my combat sports palate was a regular gig covering mixed martial arts,” says Ranallo. “I’m ready to put another piece of food on this plate that some people say might already be full, but I’m at my best when I’m working.”
Ranallo is best known for his work as a commentator for Pride Fighting Championships and, more recently, Showtime for Elite XC, Strikeforce, Showtime Championship Boxing, and New Japan Pro Wrestling on AXS TV broadcasts. He was signed with WWE as the lead SmackDown announcer in January 2016, coinciding with the show’s move to the USA Network.
“For me, being a part of the halcyon days of Pride Fighting Championships and then watching the explosion of the UFC following the Ultimate Fighter, I’ve been fortunate to be in the right place at the right time,” says Ranallo. “So to be teamed up again with a guy like Bas, and with the quality and talented staff at ‘Inside MMA,’ I really think this is just like coming home again.”
