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Canada Mauro Ranallo is a Canadian sports announcer who has transitioned from calling various combat sports to becoming a recognized mental health advocate.
Mauro Ranallo is currently signed as a play-by-play announcer with the MMA organization Bellator.
Mauro Ranallo performs play-by-play duties for boxing broadcaster Showtime, and previously for Showtime Championship Boxing until its closure at the end of 2023. He also provided commentary for EliteXC, Strikeforce, and Glory Kickboxing on Showtime.
Mauro Ranallo performs play-by-play duties for professional wrestling promotion Maple Leaf Pro Wrestling (MLP), being announced as "The Voice" in 2024.
Mauro Ranallo was signed to World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), serving as the lead announcer for SmackDown, the Cruiserweight Classic, and later as the lead commentator for NXT.
Mauro Ranallo was known for his work as a commentator for Pride Fighting Championships' PPV broadcasts in North America from 2003 until October 2006.
Mauro Ranallo returned to his pro-wrestling roots in 2015 as the voice of New Japan Pro-Wrestling in the U.S. on AXS TV, alongside Josh Barnett.
Mauro Ranallo was a co-host of 'Inside MMA' on AXS TV alongside Bas Rutten starting March 25, 2016, until the show ended on September 30, 2016.
Mauro Ranallo works as a broadcaster for Showtime Networks, providing commentary for Invicta Fighting Championships MMA.
Mauro Ranallo was the lead news anchor for the Canadian combat sports channel The Fight Network and featured on 'Fight Network Radio' through Sirius Hardcore Sports Radio Channel 98 in 2006.
Mauro Ranallo hosted 'The MMA Show' weekly on The Score (now Sportsnet 360) from January 2009 until 2011 and was an analyst on 'Right After Wrestling' (later 'Aftermath').
Mauro Ranallo was the guest commentator for Impact Wrestling's Rebellion title vs. title main event in 2021.
Mauro Domenico Ranallo was born on December 21, 1969, in Abbotsford, British Columbia, the eldest of three sons to an Italian couple. His career in sports announcing began at the age of 16 in 1986, working as an announcer and manager for “All-Star Wrestling” in Vancouver, a nationally televised wrestling show in Canada. After the show concluded in 1989, Ranallo worked as a disc jockey at CFVR radio in Abbotsford. He continued his commentary work in professional wrestling, serving as a commentator for “Stampede Wrestling” TV from 1999 to 2000 and for KVOS-TV’s “Top Ranked Wrestling” from 2005 to 2006. Ranallo’s early career established his foundation in covering combat sports, a path he would continue to expand upon significantly.
Ranallo’s career progressed to encompass a wide range of combat sports. He became well-known among mixed martial arts (MMA) fans as the voice of Pride Fighting Championships’ Pay-Per-View broadcasts in North America from 2003 to October 2006. He also lent his voice to EliteXC and ShoXC from 2006 until their closure in October 2008, and then for Strikeforce until its acquisition in 2013. In 2015, Ranallo returned to professional wrestling by joining New Japan Pro-Wrestling for its U.S. broadcasts, working alongside Josh Barnett. A significant milestone occurred in 2016 when he joined WWE as the lead SmackDown announcer, a role that earned him the nickname “The Voice of SmackDown.” He also provided commentary for the WWE Cruiserweight Classic and later joined the NXT broadcast team in 2017. In 2015, Ranallo made history as the first sports broadcaster to call boxing, kickboxing, MMA, and professional wrestling on U.S. national television. He has continued his broadcasting career with Bellator MMA and Showtime Championship Boxing, cementing his status as a versatile and prominent voice in combat sports.
Beyond his professional achievements, Mauro Ranallo is a vocal mental health advocate. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder at age 19 in 1989 following the death of his close friend, he has openly discussed his experiences with the condition. He has aimed to be an advocate to reduce the stigma associated with mental illness. His journey and struggles were chronicled in the 2018 Showtime documentary “Bipolar Rock ‘N Roller.” Ranallo has received several accolades for his commentary, including multiple “Best Television Announcer” awards from the Wrestling Observer Newsletter and “Wrestling Commentator of the Year” from CBS Sports for his work with NXT. His career demonstrates not only a diverse range of broadcasting accomplishments but also an open commitment to mental health awareness.
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