Brett Okamoto

At a glance

• ESPN MMA reporter since 2010, based in Las Vegas
• Former MMA Live analyst on ESPN2 and co-host of UFC weigh-in shows on ESPN+
• The only MMA talent ESPN kept in January 2026

Overview

Brett Okamoto is an American MMA reporter based in Las Vegas. A Colorado State University graduate, he first covered MMA for the Las Vegas Sun, the daily paper in the city that hosts a large share of UFC events. He joined ESPN in 2010 and has worked there as an MMA reporter ever since. That early beat put him close to the fighters and the promotion from the start of his career.

At ESPN he also served as an analyst on MMA Live on ESPN2 and co-hosted the UFC weigh-in shows on ESPN+. In January 2026, after UFC rights moved from ESPN to Paramount, he was the only MMA talent the network kept, in a reporting role, and he signed a multiyear extension.

What you'll find

Brett Okamoto publishes scoops on fights and signings, in-depth features, interviews and analysis on ESPN. His features look back at a fighter's career, the context around a title fight or the story behind a negotiation, built on interviews he does directly with the people involved.

On X and Instagram, he shares his reporting and interviews as the news breaks. His scoops often cover fights in the works, which he reports before the UFC makes them official. Following both accounts lets you catch his reporting in real time and then read the full story on ESPN once it is published.

Why follow

Brett Okamoto is worth following if you want reliable MMA reporting from one of the major US sports outlets. His tenure at ESPN since 2010, and the fact that the network kept him in 2026 even though it no longer airs the UFC, shows how much it values his work.

Based in Las Vegas, he is close to the UFC, its offices and its events. That gives him access to fighters and executives, which shows in his interviews and in his reporting on upcoming cards.

MMA Official's take

Brett Okamoto is for fans who want reliable scoops and in-depth features in English from a major newsroom. He also suits readers who prefer written reporting to long shows for keeping up with the UFC and its fighters.

Start by following his X account for fight announcements. Then read one of his ESPN features published ahead of a title fight to see his most complete format, with interviews and the full context of the matchup. If you prefer video, look for his past MMA Live and weigh-in show appearances to see him in an analyst role.