By James Caldwell, Torch assistant editor

WWE announcer Jim Ross says he's in a "unique place right now" continuing to talk to WWE about remaining with the company as an announcer while also being open to broadcasting MMA if the opportunity were to arise.

Ross talked in-depth about studying the MMA industry and what he would do to improve how shows are broadcast in an in-depth interview with MMA website Heavy.com, while also talking about his position with WWE right now.

"I'm talking to WWE about continuing my tenure there. But there are other things that I'm interested in doing," Ross said. "Honestly, one of the things I have an interest in, that seems to invigorate me, is MMA. I don't dislike pro wrestling. I've made a lot of money doing pro wrestling and it's been great for me. It's educated my kids and put a roof over my head, created financial stability."

Ross said if he were to get an opportunity to broadcast MMA, he would strip down some of the "wrestling character" that he plays with the black hat and wrestling catchphrases.

"If the opportunity came up to broadcast MMA, I don't think I'd have any issues doing it. I wouldn't be wearing the black hat. I wouldn't be doing all my pro wrestling cliches," Ross said. "But I think people would be very surprised at what they would hear, simply because I'm passionate about their game. Once you're a broadcaster and you're a storyteller, and you understand competition and the rules of engagement, it all falls together."

Ross also talked about Jack Swagger's amateur wrestling background and whether Swagger would have ended up in MMA right out of college at Oklahoma instead of beginning to train as a pro wrestler.

"Jake went to the WWE, and he had the aptitude for it. And he's done well for himself," Ross said. "But I don't have any doubts that if he'd taken some time to exhale and get away from the grind of training, if he'd decided to go into MMA, he would be an intriguing MMA athlete. I don't know what his striking ability is. But he can learn those skills. We know he can wrestle."

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