Charly Arnolt’s career in the field of sports media exemplifies determination, ambition and adaptability. Whether as a journalist on local television news, or now with the UFC, the arc of Arnolt’s career has been about changes. Combat Sports fans find her continually reshaping her professional identity across various verticals.
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Early Beginnings and WWE Breakthrough
Charly Arnolt was born on July 14, 1987, in Indianapolis, Indiana. In 2010 Arnolt earned a degree in broadcast journalism from American University, graduating with the highest distinction, summa cum laude. Her career in journalism began at WSAZ-TV in West Virginia and WXIN in her native Indianapolis, writing, reporting, and anchoring.
Charly Arnolt had her first major break in 2016, where NFL executive Tony Khan knew industry insiders and helped connect Arnolt to WWE officials. Shortly thereafter, Arnolt joined WWE as Charly Caruso and made her debut on the WWE NXT show.
In a very short time, Charly Arnolt became a key figure on WWE programming because she was conducting backstage interviews on Raw and SmackDown. She was also hosting pre-show panels, and becoming incredibly popular due to her strong on-air presence. Her time at WWE contributed to her national exposure and displayed her ability to engage with sports-entertainment audience.
Expanding Horizons with ESPN
In 2018, Charly Arnolt joined ESPN while still under WWE contract on a part-time scale in order to check out a unique form of sports media landscape. It often focused on the traditional side of sports, as opposed to covering a scripted version in wrestling. Arnolt participated in shows like First Take and SportsCenter, eventually shifting to working for ESPN on a full-time basis.
Charly Arnolt had also started a podcast called “First Take, Her Take” and that podcast often had a similar feel of sharing ideas and a perspective on sports, culture, and life in general. Balancing her two roles as a part-time WWE personality and now a full-time all around ESPN host was challenging.
There were a few instances when Arnolt became conflicted on when she could fulfill her obligations to WWE, while also needing to fulfill her duties for ESPN. Overall, Arnolt’s ability to perform in both arenas showcased her unique versatility, and was evidence that she was also growing her skills and foothold in a crowded space.
Leaving WWE and Making UFC History
In 2021, Arnolt unequivocally left WWE as she chose not to exercise her option to renew her contract with the organization. There were rumors about being tardy, which Arnolt scoffed at while reiterating her desire to devote herself fully to advancing her career development.
Next, Arnolt began her next chapter in coverage for UFC as a backstage interviewer. Her first assignment came on July 9, 2022, at UFC Fight Night: dos Anjos vs. Fiziev. This was a dramatic shift for Arnolt from scripted entertainment-based professional wrestling coverage to real-life live broadcasts of unscripted combat sports.
Fast forward to April 2024, Arnolt made history with the organization as the first female ring announcer for UFC, filling in for Joe Martinez who was ill. This was not only another example of Arnolt demonstrating her professionalism, versatility and commitment to being versatile but it was a milestone moment for women in this field.
A New Voice at OutKick
In 2021, Arnolt also announced she was leaving ESPN and joining OutKick, which is a media entity that is known for its right-leaning views. She said that she felt “stifled” at ESPN because of political reasons, and that OutKick provides her with a platform where she could speak freely and be shielded from “cancel culture.”
At OutKick, Arnolt was expected to be a co-host of new shows, and she is still continuing her coverage of UFC events. She is demonstrating not just a new career trajectory, but a deeper connection to platforms that allow her to express her views in an outspoken and authentic manner, which is a valued component of modern media.
Charly Arnolt’s journey from WWE to UFC is more than a switch between organizations; it is a steady climb that has been distinguished by unflinching reinvention and professional growth. Whether engaging wrestling fans on Twitter, sparring in arguments on ESPN, or making history in the UFC, Arnolt has proven to be a versatile and resilient force in sports broadcasting.
Even as she continues to evolve at OutKick and the UFC, Charly Arnolt career is an exclamation point of what’s possible when talent meets tenacity—and when a broadcaster does not get put in a box.
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Reddaveni Saisneha 
Aditya Khare