The broadcast tandem of Sean Wheelock and Jimmy Smith is no more. | Dave Mandel/Sherdog.com
Longtime Bellator MMA play-by-play analyst Sean Wheelock is leaving the promotion and will be replaced by Sean Grande, the radio voice of the Boston Celtics.
“Hard day for me,” Smith wrote on Twitter. “Will always treasure my [seven and a half] years working with Sean Wheelock. I can honestly say there are few people who love MMA more. I wish him all the best in everything he does and know that he will bring his loyalty and preparation into every job he has.”
Huge thank you to @SeanWheelock for all that he's done with #BellatorMMA. Wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
— Scott Coker (@ScottCoker) July 9, 2015Much respect for @SeanWheelock and all that he does. Wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors.
— Danny Brener (@DannyBrener) July 9, 2015.@SeanWheelock= Pure Class. Guy is a true pro and was always a pleasure to work with. Big shoes to fill.
— Anthony Mazzuca (@Mazzuca87) July 9, 2015Bellator MMA President Scott Coker told awfulannouncing.com that the company parted ways with Wheelock because it wanted to go in a different direction with its commentary.
While he has no background in MMA, Grande is well-versed in a variety of sports, including basketball, baseball and hockey. Grande has worked on both television and radio, covering NBA, NHL, MLB and college football games, among other things.
When it comes to play-by-play men, they just don't come a whole lot better than @SeanGrandePBP. Congrats on the new gig.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) July 9, 2015Does anyone know how to say "warrior" or "soldier" in Latin?
(Asking for a friend)
— Sean Grande (@SeanGrandePBP) July 9, 2015