Newcomer Brendan Fitzgerald, Paul Felder in Saturday's UFC Fight Night 123 broadcast booth

The broadcast plans for Saturday’s UFC Fight Night 123 event include some firsts.

Brendan Fitzgerald, who’s recently called Dana White’s Contender Series events on UFC Fight Pass, will make his official UFC broadcasting debut at the event.

FS1 officials today told MMAjunkie Fitzgerald will handle play-by-play duties while fighter-commentator Paul Felder (15-3 MMA, 7-3 UFC), who’s fresh of a violent stoppage victory over Charles Oliveira(22-8 MMA, 10-8 UFC) this past past weekend at UFC 218, will handle color commentary.

UFC Fight Night 123 takes place Saturday at Save Mart Center in Fresno, Calif. The card, including the Cub Swanson (25-7 MMA, 10-3 UFC) vs. Brian Ortega (12-0 MMA, 4-0 UFC) featherweight headliner, airs on FS1 following early prelims on UFC Fight Pass.

“I am pumped to get to work for my first full UFC card in Fresno,” Fitzgerald, a former ESPNU anchor and veteran TV sports reporter, said in a statement sent to MMAjunkie. “It was a lot of fun to be a part of the Contender Series this summer, and I’m really happy to continue working with the UFC in a more expanded role. I’m so grateful for the opportunity and confidence shown in me by the UFC and FOX Sports to get this assignment.

“Everyone behind the scenes with the UFC and FOX are top notch, and Paul Felder and I have become fast friends and have a solid on-air chemistry. I can’t say thank you enough to all involved in helping to make this happen.”

Fitzgerald will have some familiarity with a few of the card’s fighters, including DWCS alumni Alex Perez and Benito Lopez.

In addition to Fitzgerald and Felder, the UFC Fight Night 123 broadcasting crew features Megan Olivi hosting the FOX Sports desk in Los Angeles for the first time. Olivi, who’s filling in for Karyn Bryant, works with UFC vets Rashad Evans and Kenny Florian.

Additionally, Laura Sanko is again the on-site reporter, and Victor Davila and Marlon Vera call the action in Spanish for FOX Deportes.

For more on UFC Fight Night 123, check out the UFC Rumors section of the site.