Mike Goldberg, long-time commentator for the UFC, was let go from the company following nearly two decades of service. The decision to fire Goldberg came shortly after the UFC was sold for over $4-billion. The new owners, which included investment firm WME/IMG, made a number of changes to the company.
Alongside Rogan, Goldberg worked in the UFC as the lead play-by-play announcer since 1997. The two have lent their familiar voices to the organization for years. Goldberg’s “Here we go!” is as recognizable as Michael Buffer’s “Let’s get ready to rumble!” tagline in boxing.
This makes Goldberg’s departure a complete surprise to most people. Even Rogan himself is unable to fathom what the thinking was behind the decision. One thing is for sure however, Rogan will definitely miss his buddy.
Joe Rogan Talks About Mike Goldberg In His Latest Podcast
Opening up for the first time on his Youtube podcast, Rogan finally gives his take on Goldberg’s leaving the UFC. It was a touching, heartfelt message to say the least.
“I will stay in contact with Mike until the day I die. Mike is my friend,” said Rogan, who has obviously come to terms with Goldberg’s firing.
“The UFC was sold to WME. They have their own thoughts on what they want to do.”
WME/IMG are not the only new owners of the UFC. It was reported that minority stakes were offered to select celebrities which includes late night talk show host Conan O’Brien and actor Mark Wahlberg.
While the UFC has made bold new personnel changes, Rogan was spared and was allowed to keep his job. But that doesn’t mean that he wasn’t turned off with the fact that his friend will no longer be working with him.
https://youtu.be/fL3lCaCpSGQ?t=37
Rogan Says He Will Miss His Friend And That They Will Always Be Buddies
Still, Rogan says he will always be friends with Goldberg, whether they are co-workers or not.
“I will be friends with Mike Goldberg ‘til the day I die,” said Rogan. “I love that guy.”
Rogan also believes the UFC should have given his old pal some sort of a signing off. Goldberg worked his last event, UFC 207 in Las Vegas where Ronda Rousey returned to the Octagon only to get knocked out by Amanda Nunes in 13 seconds.
It would have been nice to give the guy a nice send-off before nixing him for good. Poor form UFC. Poor form.
