Mike Goldberg did the play-by-play commentating for the Ultimate Fighting Championship with Joe Rogan for 19 years. Now that he has ended his tenure as UFC's voice behind heated fights, he left by thanking his fans and fans of the sport.
Since 1997, Goldberg, together with Rogan and ring announcer Bruce Buffer, have been the voice of the UFC in either UFC Fight Night events or big pay per view cards. But now that the mixed martial arts promotion hired longtime WWE commentator and former SportsCenter anchor Todd Grisham, according to a report by Forbes, it really is over for Goldberg.
After the UFC did not clearly address of why it is parting ways with Goldberg, the 52-year-old only had gratitude for all who reached for him. In his statement on his Twitter account, Goldberg said that his "primary focus" were "to bring passion, energy and raw emotion to our fans around the world" and "to properly represent each and every fighter, from UFC newcomer to veteran with 20 plus Octagon battles."
Like his humorous commentator self, Goldberg took a slight jab at himself by ending his statement, "And just for the record, I still believe that Anderson Silva's precision is precise!"
Although Goldberg had been criticized for committing mistakes during his play-by-play and for being too emotional during fights, it is undeniable that he had been a huge part of the promotion, especially his famous "It is all over" statement.
Goldberg has been known to be a previous commentator for the National Hockey League, including being the voice of the Detroit Red Wings and Minnesota Wild, MMA Fighting reported. 'Goldie,' right after ending his UFC career at UFC 207, started following the Twitter accounts of Bellator MMA and the official accounts of ONE Championship and its executives Victor Cui and Rich Franklin, hinting a possible return to MMA commentating.
Watch the video below to see Chael Sonnen voicing his ire over the replacement of Goldberg: