Meet Laura Sanko, the announcer-turned-MMA “goddess” who will make history at UFC Fight Night 218

LAURA Sanko will make UFC history.

It was announced on Monday that 40-year-old Sanko will become only the second woman in UFC history to serve as a color analyst.

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She will make her debut in this new role on February 4th at Fight Night 218 when Derrick Lewis takes on Serghei Spivac in Las Vegas.

In the statement released by the UFC, Sanko said: “Taking the next step to join the UFC commentary team has been my goal since I started my broadcasting career.

“It’s an honor to be following in Kathy Long’s footsteps 30 years after she appeared on UFC 1.

“I consider it a true privilege to be part of the team that gives a voice to our incredible fans and instills the martial arts of every man and woman who steps into the UFC Octagon.”

UFC President Dana White added, “I can’t think of anyone better suited to be the first female color commentator for the modern UFC era than Laura.

“She’s worked incredibly hard to prove herself and get to this position and I couldn’t be prouder that she’s calling the action.”

Her message was met with plenty of congratulatory messages on Twitter, with one fan saying, “Your work on Road to UFC was absolutely amazing…I can’t wait to hear your live glitches during the finals!”

While another dubbed her the “Queen of the UFC.”

Sanko has one too youtube Channel One On One where she discusses fights and demonstrates various MMA moves.

And her online presence is by no means limited to YouTube, with 350,000 followers on Instagram keeping up to date with her life and career.

Here she regularly posts behind-the-scenes shots, photos and clips from her travels, and the occasional glamor shot.

Described as a “beautiful goddess” by a fan on Instagram, Sanko also has another 105,000 followers on Twitter.

Prior to her career in broadcasting, Sanko performed professionally in the octagon.

In 2013, she defeated Cassie Robb by submission at Invicta FC 4.

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