For the best part of 20 years, UFC commentator Mike Goldberg entertained the masses. Along side color commentator Joe Rogan, Goldberg’s bloopers and antics became wholesome viewing.
Since taking over the UFC in 2016, new owners WME-IMG have begun cleaning house. After Matt Hughes and Chuck Liddell were fired, the rumours about ‘Goldie’ being replaced began swirling.
Fans Were Upset
After the news that Mike Goldberg was leaving got confirmed, fans reacted in disbelief. Although Goldberg was prone to errors, his hype-style of commentary is very fan-friendly. Later came the talks of his replacement.
Still a front runner for the position, radio talk show host and news reporter Jim Rime is expected to replace Golberg. For the moment, an interim announcer in Todd Grisham has been drafted in.
It Is All Over
Another aspect that made fans upset was Goldberg’s final event. Just one month after his firing was made public, ‘Goldie’ was confirmed as done after UFC 207. The event came and went, yet no tribute to Goldberg by the UFC.
Is he salty about the whole affair? Actually, not at all. According to this Tweet Goldberg sent out, he’s happy to have held the position for so long. Check out the hilarious final loine in Goldberg’s first statement since being canned:
What an incredible ride! I’ll forever be grateful for being on this journey with all of you for the last 19 years! pic.twitter.com/reg3APxk9X
— Mike Goldberg (@MFG16) 7 January 2017
The longtime UFC play-by-play announcer is rumoured to be in talks with rival company Belltor. Also on the table are ONE FC, WSOF and a number of other combat sports outlets.
Will the UFC be the same without Mike Goldberg? Of course not, but should we be a little more open to change? Let’s see how Todd Grisham gets on at UFC Phoenix next weekend…
