Mike Goldberg will call it quits after UFC 207
Longtime UFC play by play commentator Mike Goldberg calls it quits after 9 years with the company.
Mike Goldberg started doing commentary for the UFC at UFC 15.5: Ultimate Japan in 1997. He plans to make his last appearance behind the headset at UFC 207 on Friday December 30.
UFC fans have grown accustomed to Goldberg and longtime partner Joe Rogan calling the fights. Rogan joined Goldberg at the broadcasting table at UFC 37.5 as a color commentator. The two have been a large part of the organization ever since.
Goldberg is a former NHL commentator, calling games for the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild and ESPN 2 hockey. In 2014, he appeared on NFL on FOX as a play-by-play commentator. After going on a Twitter tirade after receiving criticism from NFL fans, the NFL never called him back.
Zuffa LLC recently sold the UFC in July to WME-IMG for $4 billion. Shortly after the purchase, new owners WME made some large cuts to the staff including notable figures Chuck Liddell and Matt Hughes. After 21 years with the organization, matchmaker Joe Silva left the UFC just a month after the sale.
Rumors have circulated as to who will replace Goldberg at the broadcast table. Chael Sonnen recently hinted that CBS’s Jim Rome could be the man. During one of his podcasts, Sonnen says, “Is Jim Rome going to join Joe Rogan? Is he going to take that offer? Did I just say something that is not public information? Let’s move on.”
UFC President Dana White has also talked about hiring a new commentator. White told Sportsnet, White said, “This has been my dream to assemble this dream team of commentating and I’ve wanted this guy for years and I’m working on it and it’s going to happen.” However, White never clarified who he was referring to.
UFC 207 will take place on December 30 at the T-Mobile Arena in Paradise, Nevada. The event will feature the return of Ronda Rousey as she faces Amanda Nunes for the Women’s Bantamweight Championship.
With the return of Rousey and retirement of Goldberg, UFC 207 will be a historic event and a big way to close out 2016.
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