Bas Rutten And Todd Harris Named As Broadcasters For 'World Series Of Fighting 1'

Legendary MMA personality and former UFC heavyweight champion, Bas Rutten, and NBC commentator Todd Harris will call the debut event for World Series of Fighting, live on NBC Sports Network from Planet Hollywood Resort and Casino in Las Vegas on Saturday, Nov. 3.

Rutten brings with him a long history of providing both insightful and entertaining commentary for numerous fight promotions, including PRIDE Fighting Championships.  He can also be seen on the silver screen, co-starring alongside Kevin James and Salma Hayek in the MMA-themed comedy film Here Comes The Boom, which hit theaters earlier this month.

Harris is a part of NBC’s coverage of the Summer and Winter Olympic Games, and also serves as a play-by-play voice for NBC Sports Group’s college football and basketball coverage  and action sports events. The seasoned veteran previously served as a commentator for WEC on the Versus Network. 

"We are thrilled that Bas and Todd have signed on for our first event," said World Series of Fighting President Ray Sefo. "These guys are true professionals and we know that their commentary will add tremendous value to our first card."

The live NBC Sports Network telecast of the World Series of Fighting event will begin at 10:30 p.m. EST/7:30 p.m. PST.

The heavyweight main event features former UFC heavyweight champ Andrei Arlovski (17-9) squaring off with Strikeforce vet Devin Cole (20-9). In the light heavyweight co-main event, the resurging Anthony “Rumble” Johnson (13-4) will face off with Bellator veteran D.J. Linderman (14-3).

In other main card action, ex-WEC bantamweight champ Miguel Torres (40-5) will lock up with two-time national Muay Thai champion and Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu brown belt Marlon Moraes (8-4-1).

Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu black belt Gregor Gracie (7-2) will face off with rising prospect Tyson Steele (9-1) in a welterweight contest.

The inaugural World Series of Fighting card will also mark the MMA debut of kickboxing phenom Tyrone Spong (0-0), who will take on skilled boxer Travis Bartlett (7-2) in a preliminary card bout. 

UFC alum will meet as Josh Burkman (23-9) will battle Gerald Harris (21-4) at welterweight on the preliminary card.

Streaking Ronys Torres (25-4) will meet dangerous submission specialist Brian Cobb (19-7) of in a lightweight tilt.

Doors at Planet Hollywood Resort & Casino open at 4 p.m. PST for the World Series of Fighting event and the first preliminary bout will begin at 4:30 p.m.