Color commentator Mike Golberg’s first UFC was Ultimate Japan on December 21, 1997. He first paired with Joe Rogan at UFC 40 November 22, 2002. And the duo worked nearly all UFC events prior to the FOX deal, including pay per view, SPIKE TV, and Versus.
UFC 207 on December 30 was his last. The lack of official recognition was a shock, although the departure had been expected. UFC president Dana White said last month that he was working on a dream team with Rogan and … TBA. TBA may be Jim Rome; negotiations are ongoing.
Now Goldberg has released a statement on his social network.
I wish I could respond to every single fan, fighter and member of the media who reached out and showed their support, gratitude and appreciation! It has been overwhelming and so gratifying! Thank you!!
Every single UFC, from Ultimate Japan to UFC 207, my primary focus has been on just 2 things!
First, to bring passion, energy and raw emotion to our fans around the world, dedicated, diehard fans like none other!
Second, to properly represent each and every fighter, from UFC newcomer to veterans with 20 plus Octagon battles, our fighters work so hard and sacrifice so much it was my responsibility to properly prepare and tell their stories!!
“Tommy Toe Hold, that video was hilarious!
And just for the record, I still believe that Anderson Silva’s Precision is Precise.”
The second to last line was a response to the latest TTTHS.
And the final remarks were a good-natured response to criticism from the hardcore fanbase over Goldberg’s occasional twisting of words and coinage of comical terms.
“And here we go!”
“He’s got him in some kind of strange choke I’ve never seen before!”
Joe Rogan: “That’s a rear naked choke.”
“[Kimbo Slice] wants to get in close and use that reach advantage.”
You know Joe, When Matt [Hughes] and his brother Mark Hughes were growing up they would pound each other behind the barn!
“[Travis Lutter] is like the Michael Jordan of Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu!”
Joe Rogan: “No, he’s not.”
“Larry Bird?”
Joe Rogan: “No.”
“Kobe Bryant?”
Joe Rogan: “…”
“You can hear the corner speaking Portuguese!”
Joe Rogan: “That’s Japanese, brother.”
“I should have known that.”
Joe Rogan: “You’re the one married to a Japanese chick.”
“That is correct.”
“And it’s all over!”
Truth is, it was all entertaining. The only thing truly bad was releasing Mike Goldberg without a formal appreciation for 19 years of work.
