Michael Schiavello
Michael Schiavello is an Australian sports commentator , journalist , author , and television personality, renowned as "The Voice" for his distinctive and energetic style in broadcasting combat sports events worldwide. Born on 10 April 1975 in Melbourne , he overcame childhood bullying to build a 30-year career spanning television, radio, and live events, focusing primarily on mixed martial arts (MMA), kickboxing , and other combat disciplines.
Schiavello's professional journey began in the late 1990s , quickly establishing him as a leading voice in international sports media through collaborations with prominent networks such as AXS TV , Fox Sports , CBS Sports , NBC Sports , Sky , and Spike TV. He has provided play-by-play commentary for major promotions including K-1 kickboxing , Dream MMA, Sengoku, The Contender Asia , and RIZIN Fighting Federation , often traveling to over 26 countries for broadcasts reaching global audiences, and continues to commentate for RIZIN and K-1 as of 2025. Since 2017, he has served as a key commentator for ONE Championship , debuting at the ONE: Kings and Conquerors event in Macau and contributing to events viewed in 128 countries. In August 2025, he was nominated for Commentator of the Year at the World MMA Awards .
His accolades highlight his impact on sports broadcasting, including being the first-ever two-time winner of the Asian Television Award for Best Sports Presenter/Commentator in 2018 and 2020, often referred to as the "Asian Emmy." Schiavello was also nominated for the "Leading Man" category at the 2010 World MMA Awards in Las Vegas and a U.S. CableFax Award, recognizing his charismatic on-air presence and interviews with celebrities like Hulk Hogan , George Foreman , and Steven Seagal . Beyond combat sports, he has commentated on Olympic Games and Commonwealth Games events, broadening his expertise across athletics and international competitions.
In addition to broadcasting, Schiavello is a best-selling author whose works reflect his personal and professional insights. His 2020 memoir, Good Night Irene: How a Bullied Fat Kid from Melbourne Became a Global Broadcasting Star , details his rise from adversity to prominence. In 2021, he published The Commentators , a book celebrating the history and artistry of sports commentary, featuring contributions from industry figures. As a motivational speaker and master of ceremonies (MC), he draws on his experiences to inspire audiences at corporate events and conferences globally, emphasizing themes of resilience and self-belief.
Michael Schiavello was born on 10 April 1975 in Melbourne , Australia , to Italian-Australian parents; his father was an immigrant factory worker who had arrived from Italy . Growing up in a traditional Italian-Australian household, Schiavello faced significant personal challenges during his early years in Melbourne's suburbs.
In his memoir Good Night Irene , Schiavello recounts his childhood as that of a "bullied fat kid," enduring taunts and isolation at school due to his weight and introverted nature . These experiences shaped a resilient character but also highlighted the emotional struggles of his formative years, where he often retreated into his passion for sports as an escape.
This familial encouragement provided a foundation for his later pursuits, though specific roles from siblings are not detailed in available accounts.
Schiavello's entry into broadcasting occurred during his teenage years. Schiavello attended university but dropped out to pursue his career in broadcasting . At age 16 in 1991, while still in high school, he volunteered to commentate an inter-school track and field carnival at Olympic Park in Melbourne , marking his initial foray into live sports narration.
This experience quickly led to professional opportunities in radio.
