Kenny Florian and the 7 Current Fighters Who'd Be Great Full-Time Commentators

Fans were treated to a bit of a change to the broadcasting team for last weekend's UFC 134.

The usual duo was mixed up a bit with Mike Goldberg teamed up with guest commentator Kenny Florian. Joe Rogan was away shooting the new season of Fear Factor.

This was not the first time for Florian to trade in the trunks for a suit as he has filled in for Rogan on quite a few occasions.

Many fighters have become color commentators for different organizations and found success behind the mic. Their presence analyzing each fight is an integral part of the sports growth as fighters can dissect the many facets of MMA better than outside observers. 

Here are seven fighters who would make for great, full-time commentators when their fighting days are done.

7. Stephan Bonnar

UFC mainstay Stephan Bonnar is no stranger to the commentator's booth.

A frequent color commentator for the now defunct WEC, Bonnar took over for Frank Mir at WEC 47 and called the last ever WEC event in December of 2010. Bonnar also called UFC 59 and has provided breakdowns and analyses on numerous occasions on ESPN's MMA Live.  

Displaying such passion and heart in the cage, his love for the sport clearly comes across in his broadcasts. His description of Anthony Pettis' "Showtime Kick" during WEC 53 perfectly displayed the excitement and shock that the kick aroused the crowd and fans watching at home.

Bonnar would make for a great full-time commentator due to his light-hearted and humorous personality that is tailor made for television. 

6. Tito Ortiz

An occasional voice on HDNet's Inside MMA and the commentator for Affliction: Day of Reckoning, Tito Ortiz has shown some skill as an analyst of the sport.

Despite conjuring up fierce divisions among fans who either laud or despise him, Ortiz possesses the uncanny ability to hold the attention of viewers with his commentary.

Putting him behind the booth would not only add a great talker but a former champion with a wealth of knowledge to offer MMA fans.  His experience with the sport since the early days of the UFC would add a new level of credibility to any broadcast team.

As long as he keeps his objectivity and does not take sides over certain fighters—even if he has a beef with them—Ortiz would thrive as a full-time cage side voice.

5. Rashad Evans

Former UFC Light-Heavyweight champion Rashad Evans reminds me of Charles Barkley or Keith Hernandez in terms of his commentary skills.

A little pompous and a bit arrogant outside of the cage due to the success he's had, Evans still provides top quality analysis during his myriad of appearances on ESPN's MMA Live.

If he were to transition to calling fights, fans would expect to see a blend of his insightful and grandiose sides of his personality much like a Barkley or Hernandez infuses into their calls.

Evans would be a great partner for any commentator out there—as long as Rampage Jackson and Jon Jones aren't on the team. 

4. Jason Miller

Host of the hit MTV reality show Bully Beatdown, Jason Miller has experience commentating fights, albeit one sided beatdowns of untrained aggressors.

One of the biggest personalities in MMA, the Ultimate Fighter Season 14 coach has no problem giving his humorous opinions about the sport to any camera within range of his multicolored hair.

Miller as a full-time commentator would be one of the most entertaining broadcasts in all of sports  —just imagine his post-fight interviews.

Let's not forget that Miller is a pretty good fighter himself and knows MMA inside and out. His experience would keep him credible while his comedy would keep viewers entertained.

I vote for a Jason Miller and Joe Rogan team up! 

3. Gilbert Melendez

The Strikeforce Lightweight champion has shown a knack for broadcasting in recent months.

Another top fighter to appear as an analyst for ESPN's MMA Live, Gilbert Melendez does not shy away from staying behind his fight predictions while providing excellent breakdowns.

Also, his wrestling background provides a unique insight into one of the most important parts of the sport that many casual fans are not intimately aware of.

Well spoken and clearly knowledgeable in all aspects of the game, Melendez should seriously consider transitioning to commentary after his fighting days are done.

2. Frank Mir

Out of all the UFC fighters who have transitioned to the broadcast booth, Frank Mir has the most experience.

A longtime commentator for the WEC, Mir checks his persona at the door when he calls fights and gives some of the best analysis in the entire sport.

The former champion has so much knowledge of MMA (specifically the ground game), and sees things that a lot of other people, fighters included, might miss.

Not one to shy away from the camera, Mir's sometimes abrasive personality actually comes across in a more personable manner during broadcasts.

Possessing almost as much experience calling fights as opposed to being in them, Mir is a talented commentator that provides a unique insight into each bout he calls. 

1. Kenny Florian

An eloquent speaker and an insightful analyst, Kenny Florian was thrust into the biggest commentating job of his life as he took over duties for Joe Rogan at UFC 134.

A former top contender and high-ranking martial artist, Florian knows how to break down and narrate fights as the unfold in front of the viewers' eyes.

Not only a partner on ESPN's MMA Live, Florian's resume also includes color commentary for UFC 83, UFC Fight Night 19, TUF 11 Finale, WEC 41 and WEC 49.  

One of the classiest guys in the sport, his clear understanding of the game and his ability to transfer this knowledge to viewers reminds me of Mets' broadcaster Ron Darling.

There is no doubt that Florian has a future in the sports broadcasting business.