“Happy new year everyone. So long.”
Those were the last words spoken by Mike Goldberg for the UFC on Friday night.
UFC 207 marked the end of the long-time UFC commentator’s time with the world’s preeminent mixed martial arts organisation as the promotion bids to go in a new direction with their broadcasts.
UFC president Dana White confirmed prior to the event that it would be Goldberg’s last, having previously stated that he was close to securing a deal to “assemble this dream team of commentating.”
Rumour has it that Jim Rome is the man who will be joining Joe Rogan cageside for future UFC pay-per-view broadcasts.
Goldberg’s final day with the UFC headset was a memorable one, as he was present for one of the biggest cards of the year, calling the action as Ronda Rousey returned and was torn apart by defending UFC women’s bantamweight champion Amanda Nunes in the UFC 207 main event.
But it disappointed plenty of fight fans to see that such a legend of the UFC was not recognised with some kind of tribute as he bowed out.
In fact, one wouldn’t have known it was Goldie’s final broadcast unless they had been foretold as his only means of goodbye was a more involved send-off than usual as he thanked some behind-the-scenes employees while he listed off producers and directors.
The silence was deafening.
It was weird.
It was not what Goldberg, who has been with the UFC since 1997, deserved.
Goldberg’s son first took to Twitter to complain about the lack of respect in not honouring his father with a proper goodbye.
my dad did so much for the UFC over the past 13 years and they can't even give him a proper goodbye. what a joke @ufc
— kole (@kolegoldberg) December 31, 2016
20 years** what an embarrassment @ufc https://t.co/2eHoF4fV6l
— kole (@kolegoldberg) December 31, 2016
And while there was no official tribute for him, Goldberg received nothing but love from fighters and colleagues who sent him their best wishes.
End of an era..Goldberg will be missed.
He should leave his microphone in the middle of the cage like fighters do their gloves. Lol— The Diamond (@DustinPoirier) December 30, 2016
@MFG16 we will miss ya brother! #endofanera
— Daniel Cormier (@dc_mma) December 31, 2016
https://twitter.com/BrianStann/status/815079474307956736?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw
Thank you to Joe Silva and Mike Goldberg for all the great @ufc memories & props to Amanda Nunes for showing everyone what's up.
— Cortney Casey (@CastIron_Casey) December 31, 2016
No matter what the storyline on Mike Goldberg @MFG16 leaving UFC, there absolutely should have been a tribute to the man.@joerogan #UFC207
— TJ Grant (@TJ_Grant) December 31, 2016
Was always great to see @MFG16 at @UFC events. Take good care Goldy, hope to see you around my friend!!
— Joe Ellenberger (@JoeEllenberger) December 31, 2016
@MFG16 Goldie = legend. Great person/friend/Role Model. Honored to have had so many fights called by you & ur sexy voice. #ThanksForTheYears
— Matt Mitrione (@mattmitrione) December 31, 2016
Big props 2 my man @MFG16 working his last UFC tonight. Mike you have been nothing but class throughout the years. God Bless brother #AskBJM
— Big John McCarthy (@JohnMcCarthyMMA) December 30, 2016
GONNA MISS YOU Mr.Goldberg "Goldie" @MFG16 Your AMAZING! 🙏🏻
— BANGMuayThaicom (@DUANEBANGCOM) December 31, 2016
Listening 2 @MFG16 during his last UFC show was emotional. He's the Godfather of the mic, showed the way for me & others. Thanks Mike 👏🏼😢👏🏼
— John Gooden (@JohnGoodenUK) December 31, 2016
Congratulations to my friend and colleague @MFG16 on a legendary career w/ the UFC! Hall-of-Fame voice that I trust will be heard from soon.
— Jon Anik (@Jon_Anik) December 31, 2016
