6 Takeaways From Bellator NYC

6. The New Announcers Make Bellator Feel Big Time

Sean Grande did a fantastic job as Bellator's lead commentator. Coming over from the NBA, he had never really been a fan of mixed martial arts, but his broadcast professionalism was apparent. The more he picked up the sport, the more he became an enjoyable part of the Bellator experience.

Grande stepped down due to scheduling conflicts, and Scott Coker hit the jackpot. Mike Goldberg was the voice of UFC for almost two decades, and while he isn't to everyone's taste, he'll always be the voice of MMA's first boom period. He called the prelims, and stepped out to the desk for the pay-per-view with Brendan Schaub and Josh Thomson. While it will take time to perfect, the regular trips to the desk between fights has legs.

Mauro Ranallo called the action with Jimmy Smith on Bellator NYC. While there were some obvious chemistry issues through the night, it just made it feel that Bellator has really arrived. Ranallo is the best play-by-play announcer in MMA history, and he has such incredible instincts. He has an ability to make a situation feel enormous, but refuses to invalidate his enthusiasm by dialling it back when necessary.

Ranallo and Goldberg will alternate with Smith for the rest of 2017 on their various different events. It really feels like Bellator has the upper hand on UFC right now when it comes to the broadcast booth.