Mike Goldberg

Last updated
Mike Goldberg
Mike Goldberg UFC Lead Commentator.jpg
Goldberg in 2008
Born (1964-11-24) November 24, 1964 (age 59)
Cincinnati, Ohio, U.S. [1]
OccupationPlay-by-play commentator

Mike Goldberg (born November 24, 1964) is an American play-by-play commentator currently working with BYB Extreme Fighting Series [2] and ProBox TV, [3] both alongside color commentator Paulie Malignaggi. He is mainly known for his work with the Ultimate Fighting Championship from 1997 until his departure in 2016. [4] He also worked for Bellator MMA from June 2017 until April 2021. [5] [6]

Broadcasting career

Born in Cincinnati, Ohio, [1] Goldberg graduated from Miami University. [5]

Goldberg also served as studio host for college football telecasts on FSN, as well as ACC Sunday Night Hoops, he also appeared as a guest host on The Best Damn Sports Show Period , and has been heard on Arizona Cardinals pre-season telecasts.

He is the former TV play-by-play announcer for the Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota Wild, and ESPN2 hockey, where he was paired with Brian Engblom, broadcasting over 900 NHL Games. [7] [5] [8] [9]

On December 21, 1997, Mike Goldberg made his UFC debut as commentator for UFC Japan: Ultimate Japan (also known as UFC Ultimate Japan or UFC 15.5) The event took place in Yokohama, Japan, and was available on pay-per-view in the United States.

From 2000–2002, Goldberg was a sideline reporter for the NFL on FOX .

In 2005, Goldberg was offered a contract to work for World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE), to be the head announcer on WWE's flagship show WWE Raw. [10] Ultimately, Goldberg refused the WWE contract and signed a new deal with the UFC.

During his tenure with SportsChannel Chicago, he served as sideline reporter for the Chicago Bulls, including the Bulls' 1991, 1992 and 1993 World Championships. He has also called Big Ten, ACC and SEC college football and basketball games.

Goldberg also served as the host of Shaquille O'Neal's sports reality television show Shaq Vs.

On October 12, 2014, Goldberg made his NFL play-by-play debut. His foray into NFL announcing lasted just one game, as his mistake-filled broadcast, which included repeatedly referring to Minnesota Vikings coach Mike Zimmer as Don Zimmer, was widely panned. Afterwards, he engaged critical fans on Twitter with profane responses. This led to his swift removal from the following week's broadcast (replaced with Tim Brando) and the end of his NFL broadcasting career. [11]

On December 28, 2016, the UFC announced that Goldberg would be leaving the promotion following UFC 207. [12]

On June 24, 2017, Goldberg made his Bellator MMA debut at Bellator 180 in Madison Square Garden. [5] In April 2021, it was announced that Goldberg and Bellator had parted ways. [6]

He is known for his catchphrase "It is all over!", often said when a match ends in a knockout or submission.

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References

  1. 1 2 Stupp, Dan. "UFC's military events have impact on broadcaster". Dayton Daily News.
  2. ↑ Alonso, Jorge (2021-07-14). "Mike Goldberg Breaks Down Conor McGregor/UFC 264, Reveals If He Still Watches UFC Broadcasts, And Talks About BareKnuckle Boxing". BroBible. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  3. ↑ RINGSIDE (2023-02-22). "Algieri to work alongside Malignaggi and Marquez on ProBox TV". WBN - World Boxing News. Retrieved 2023-06-28.
  4. ↑ Reynolds, Robert. "UFC announcer Mike Goldberg goes from pucks to punchouts". MMADieHards.com.
  5. 1 2 3 4 "Bellator signs commentators Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo". Bellator MMA . June 13, 2017. Retrieved July 23, 2017.
  6. 1 2 Scott Fontana (April 2, 2021). "Bellator president Scott Coker pleased with Showtime 'family reunion'". New York Post. Retrieved April 2, 2021.
  7. ↑ Nidetz, Steve (1995-09-25). "MADDEN HAS GAME PLAN FOR NEXT TYSON FIGHT". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved 2024-03-03.
  8. ↑ "February 28, 1997 - Image 92". The Detroit Jewish News Digital Archives. Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  9. ↑ Malik, George (2009-07-10). "Former Red Wings announcer Mike Goldberg won the 'ultimate' career fight". Michigan Live . Retrieved 2023-09-06.
  10. ↑ GOLDBERG SPEAKS FOR FIRST TIME - MMA WEEKLY - Mixed Martial Arts & UFC News, Photos, Rankings & more Archived 2007-09-29 at the Wayback Machine
  11. ↑ "Mike Goldberg Fired from NFL on Fox After Poor Performance, Twitter Meltdown".
  12. ↑ "UFC commentator Mike Goldberg leaving the promotion following UFC 207". MMAFighting. 28 December 2016. Retrieved 29 December 2016.
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