UFC World Mourns the Loss of Jordan Breen, A Pioneer Voice in MMA
UFC World Mourns the Loss of Jordan Breen, A Pioneer Voice in MMA originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
There are very few figures in the MMA space that have shaped the coverage of the sport we all know and love. Unlike mainstream sports like boxing, basketball, or football that have decades of established media infrastructure, MMA’s rapid evolution has relied heavily on a few dedicated analysts and storytellers who helped legitimize the sport beyond spectacle. They are the rare voices who combine their knowledge of the X’s and O’s with an unshakable passion for the craft.
They may be unrecognized outside hardcore circles, yet their influence echoes as the sport has skyrocketed in popularity within the last decade.
The MMA world is grappling with the loss of Jordan Breen, a legendary figure in fight sports journalism and commentary, whose passing has sparked an outpouring of tributes from peers, fans, and media members. Breen, known for his knowledge of MMA and sharp analytical mind, was a cornerstone of Sherdog’s early coverage as a former editor. His work spanned roles at ESPN, Bloody Elbow, and Strikeforce, where he served as a commentator, leaving an unforgettable mark on the sport’s media landscape.
Breen’s influence extended far beyond his bylines. As the host of The Jordan Breen Show on SRN, he cultivated a devoted following with his incisive breakdowns and dry wit. Longtime listeners and colleagues recalled his ability to dissect fights with unparalleled depth, blending technical expertise with a passion for the sport’s esoteric corners.
One of MMA’s most visible media members, Ariel Helwani, posted a tribute to Breen through his X (formerly Twitter) account, saying, “Heartbroken hearing about the passing of Jordan Breen. A walking, talking MMA encyclopedia. As eccentric, colorful and unique a character MMA media has ever seen.”
“And more importantly, a good dude with a big heart.” Helwani continued. “His presence has been missed as of late, and it’s a tragedy we’ll never hear from him again. He will most definitely be missed.”
Media reactions like Helwani’s painted a picture of Breen as a bridge between MMA’s underground era and its modern mainstream boom. Journalists like Luke Thomas and Mike Bohn credited Breen with influencing them through his passion for MMA as well as his charisma as a human being.
“I am devastated by this news. One of the brightest minds I ever encountered in combat sports,” Thomas wrote in a post on X. “He loved MMA and understood it in a way few ever could. A unique and original voice. He will be so greatly missed. What terrible, terrible news.”
His work at Sherdog and beyond was celebrated for its rigor—a rarity in an often sensationalized field.
SB Nation video director and amateur MMA fighter Eugene Casey Leydon also took to social media to express his condolences on Breen’s passing.
“Breen was the first guy to really get me to appreciate MMA and also how dumb it is at the same time,” said Leydon. “Legit one of the smartest dudes I’ve met. Name a random topic, he could go off for 15 minutes on it easy. Rest easy, Jordan. I’ll miss you.”
The grief expressed online highlights Breen’s role as a connective thread for MMA’s old guard. Sherdog’s forums, where the news first broke, became a virtual memorial, with longtime users sharing memories of his radio days and lamenting the loss of an “OG” in a sport increasingly dominated by casual fans.
One MMA fan posted on X calling on the UFC, Sean Shelby, and Dana White to pay tribute to Breen for the next UFC broadcast.
As the community mourns, efforts to honor Breen’s work are gaining traction. Fans have called for Sherdog to archive his classic broadcasts, while others suggested dedicating a media award in his name.
Related: UFC Fighters Mourn the Loss of Wrestling Legend
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
MMA Mixed Martial Arts News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos
