Former MMA Announcer Jimmy Smith Will Be New WWE Raw Commentator

Former Bellator and UFC announcer Jimmy Smith will be the lead play by play man on Raw starting this Monday, according to Dave Meltzer.

He’ll be replacing Adnan Virk, who “mutually parted ways” with WWE yesterday after just seven weeks on the job.

The Raw team will be Smith, Corey Graves and Byron Saxton.

Smith was a color commentator for Bellator MMA from 2010-2017, then did color commentary for UFC in 2018, but in 2019 said that his contract was not renewed. He also was the co-host for American Ninja Warrior for two seasons in 2010-2011.

Smith is also a former MMA fighter, fighting at smaller shows in California from 2003-2006 and holding a 5-1 win-loss record.

Smith auditioned for a WWE commentary job earlier this year and has since been training with WWE and Michael Cole to prepare for a possible role, according to Meltzer, who added that according to sources in WWE, “Cole has praised him heavily and found him to be very versatile.”

Smith was part of the NXT TakeOver: Stand & Deliver pre-show panel last month.

Update: WWE officially announced that Smith would be on the Raw commentary team.

WWE today announced that @jimmysmithmma will debut as the play-by-play voice for #WWERaw starting this Monday, May 31 at 8/7c on @USA_Network.https://t.co/8mUWqEkv4X

— WWE (@WWE) May 26, 2021

Hey guys, well it’s been a busy day😳. Apparently @WWE liked my work so far. I know I’m stepping into a new world (I WAS a Mr. Perfect and Bruiser Brody fanatic however) but know I’ll do everything I can to honor the athletes and fans. Watch Monday and judge my work for yourself

— Jimmy Smith (@jimmysmithmma) May 26, 2021