31/03/2026
Trench Warz Promotions Announces Ring Announcer LJ Castro Signs with TKO Group Holdings to Serve as Announcer for UFC™ and WWE™
SAIPAN, CNMI — The world better prepare to know that it's "GERA TIME"! Trench Warz Promotions is proud to announce that its lead ring announcer, Luis John “LJ” Castro, has signed a multi-year agreement with TKO Group Holdings to serve as an event announcer across both Ultimate Fighting Championship™ (UFC) and World Wrestling Entertainment™ (WWE) properties and events. Negotiations between the company and Castro began right after last year’s Ring of Fire event, and were finalized, reportedly over the weekend before last Saturday’s successful Ballroom Blitz jiu jitsu event.
Under the agreement, Castro is expected to make appearances at select UFC Fight Night events, along with select WWE and NXT premium live events beginning later this year, marking a historic milestone for talent from the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands (CNMI) and the greater Pacific region.
Castro first came to the attention of TKO leadership through CNMI native and internationally recognized mixed martial artist Frank “The Crank” Camacho. During Camacho’s tenure competing in the UFC, he spoke directly with UFC President Dana White about Castro’s announcing abilities, professionalism, and presence, comparing his talents to the famous Buffer brothers, Michael and Bruce.
“Frank kept telling me, ‘You’ve got to hear this guy,’” said White. “When someone you respect vouches for a person like that, you pay attention. I watched LJ through videos Frank would share with me via YouTube and his personal collection, and he’s got something special — confidence, clarity, and energy. Fans are going to connect with him right away.” WWE President Nick Khan echoed those sentiments, emphasizing Castro’s authenticity and passion for the industry.
"LJ brings a genuine love for combat sports that you simply cannot manufacture,” Khan said.
“He grew up as a fan of professional wrestling and boxing, idolizing Hulk Hogan and Mike Tyson, and that lifelong connection shows in his delivery. We are always looking for voices that resonate with audiences globally as our companies continue to expand their international foothold, and we believe LJ has that potential.”
A lifelong enthusiast of combat sports, Castro has often spoken about watching professional wrestling from an early age and spending time with his dad, uncles, and siblings viewing classic boxing matches and even fights from the UFC’s early days, experiences that helped shape his appreciation for the spectacle and storytelling of competition. That passion eventually translated into his work as a ring announcer, where he became known for his commanding voice and engaging presence throughout the Micronesian region.
Frank Camacho expressed pride in seeing a fellow islander reach this level. “I’ve known LJ for years, and I knew he had the talent,” Camacho said. “When I was in the UFC, I told Dana, ‘You need to check out this announcer back home.’ Seeing this happen now is huge — not just for him, but for the islands. It shows that we belong on the world stage.”
Trench Warz Promotions President Cuki Alvarez praised Castro’s dedication and professionalism, noting the impact he has had on the organization’s growth. “LJ has been instrumental in elevating the presentation of our events,” Alvarez said. “His work ethic, preparation, and ability to connect with both fighters and fans set him apart. While we’re sad about the thought of missing his presence at our events due to this new venture, we are also incredibly proud to see him reach this milestone, and he will always be part of the Trench Tech family.”
Castro expressed gratitude to those who supported his journey and emphasized the significance of representing his home region internationally. “This is bigger than me,” Castro said. “It’s about showing that talent from the CNMI and the Pacific can stand alongside the best in the world. I’m grateful to Trench Warz Promotions, Cuki, for believing in my talents, even when people we’re telling him to get rid of me because I was “too loud”, and to Frank for vouching for me, and to everyone back home who has supported me. I will carry our islands with me wherever I go, whether it is in the squared circle or the Octagon™ .”
And now… before this spreads too far — Happy April Fools’ Day from Trench Warz Promotions!
(But who knows… maybe one day.)
