F.i.l.e.s. News Quick Fire Q & A: Don Andrews Vancouver’s Voice of MMA

One of the best things about the Vancouver MMA scene is that it is rich with local talent. Vancouver is full of people who have helped shape the current state of MMA in North America and around the world. Vancouver is home to trailblazers and innovators: some of the world’s leading martial art schools and trainers, fighters and promoters, announcers and TV personalities. And, one of the best things about F.i.l.e.s. News is that we get to showcase the plethora of local talent so that all Vancouverites have an appreciation for the richness and importance of Vancouver MMA. F.i.l.e.s. is proud to showcase Don Andrews, the Vancouver’s voice of MMA.

F.i.l.e.s.: When did you decide that you could make a career with your voice? What lead you to this?

Andrews: After a decade of hearing people say “You should work in radio and you have a voice for radio” I decided Broadcasting school was a good idea and found myself working for a station before I had even graduated. For my first gig, it was a great place to work with great people that taught me lots! That was almost 10 years ago and about every 2 or 3 days, someone says “You should work in radio” and now I can say, I did.

F.i.l.e.s.: How did you end up ring announcing?

Andrews: I’ve been a fan of MMA and The UFC since the early 90’s, when fighters like Ken Shamrock, Guy Mezger and Dan Severn were household names so I had always wanted to work in the cage. I made friends with local MMA practitioner Paul ‘The Mauler’ Lazenby who helped me get in touch with a couple promoters and once I found a match to work, it just picked up speed from there.

F.i.l.e.s.: Who did you work for first and how did that transpire?

Andrews: I worked two seasons for BoDog Fight and filled in the spaces working for a few other local organizations until I contacted my current employer. It’s been a lot of work but a great journey so far.

F.i.l.e.s.: Who are you working for now? How did you come to work for them?

Andrews: I’ve worked the past year for BattleField Fight League here in Vancouver. Working for BattleField came from picking up the phone and convincing them I needed to work their next show…whenever, wherever. And it seemed to work as I met with promoter, Jay Golshani two days later and was working their next event a couple months down the road.

F.i.l.e.s.: Who would you like to work for some day?

Andrews: Myself…and anyone that needs a ring announcer or voice over guy.

F.i.l.e.s.: As a ring announcer who are your influences?

Andrews: Unlike a great deal of careers, there aren’t a lot of truly influential people in this business. It’s something you work yourself into rather than trying to emulate what someone does. Michael Buffer, Lenne Hardt and Joe A. Martinez are a few memorable ones that I’ve learned from.

F.i.l.e.s.: Best part about your job? Worst part about your job?

Andrews:

BEST : I get to be an MMA fan first and foremost. It gives me the ability to not only enjoy the fights as a fan but to help with great productions and work with the wonderful people that have welcomed me into the MMA family in Vancouver.

WORST: Trying to remain shine free in a dark suit under hot lights.

F.i.l.e.s.: What’s the weirdest thing you’ve seen in the ring?

Andrews: Jason Keller’s cauliflower ear exploding after being punched.

F.i.l.e.s.: What’s the funniest thing that you’ve seen in the ring?

Andrews: The look on people’s faces when Jason Keller’s ear popped.

F.i.l.e.s.: What’s the best/worst thing you’ve seen in the ring?

Andrews:

BEST: Marcus Aurelio’s flying switch kick is pretty awesome.

WORST: Rare but witnessed unsportsmanlike conduct by fighters.

F.i.l.e.s.: Who are some fighters you’ve had a chance to meet? Who would you like to meet?

Andrews: Marvin “the Beastman” Eastman, Frank Mir, and Mark Coleman are a couple of the bigger names but the best ones have been some of the local up and comers….guys with great skills and personalities to match! If I had a choice I’d like to meet George St Pierre, Anderson Silva and Randy Couture to name a few.

F.i.l.e.s.: Favourite book? Movie? Band? Comedian? Fighter?

Andrews:

BOOK: The Baby Book…closet thing to a kid manual you’ll find.

MOVIE: The Blues Brothers. Music is a huge part of my life and experiences.

BAND: With the broad spectrum of music, it’s hard to pin down one artist.

Everything from my wife’s original music, to Blues, Funk, Acid Jazz and Classical.

But no Top 40, sorry.

COMEDIAN: Doug Stanhope / Louis CK

FIGHTER: George St Pierre / Royce Gracie

F.i.l.e.s.: What’s the one thing about Don Andrews that no else knows?

Andrews: I hate artificial cinnamon. There’s a story behind it, ask if you dare.

F.i.l.e.s.: Where do you see yourself in 5 year to 20 years?

Andrews: Older, wiser and becoming the best announcer in the business. J

F.i.l.e.s. News would like to thank Don Andrews and wish him continued success with Battlefield Fight and beyond. Stay with F.i.l.e.s. News for Battlefield fight updates, features, and results. F.i.l.e.s. News: Vancouver’s source for all things MMA.