I usually don't complain about MMA commentary the way many do, but I had friends over for "The Ultimate Fighter 16" Finale and, as not-so-serious MMA fans, they found it hard to get past Mike Goldberg's commentary. The UFC loves Goldberg and he is the "sound" of its product, so I get why it doesn't want to ditch him. I think that MMA -- and the UFC, specifically -- could probably attract more fans if it had a play-by-play announcer that could draw you into the fight. I think MMA can do without another dozen Randy Couture stories. -- Phil from New Westminster
I have been an audiophile since the age of 15, and through that obsession I have also become enamored by broadcasting. From a pure broadcasting perspective, Goldberg is the best in MMA. When it comes to live reads, getting from the show open to a pre-fight package -- getting from Point A to Point B of your broadcast -- there really isn't anyone better than Goldberg. He might have a downright laughable cadence at times, but for the most part, his format is perfect. This is why he does preseason NFL games for the Arizona Cardinals right down to the Red Bull air shows. Unfortunately, I may be the only one who cares about how well a play-by-play guy can get a live read in. Simply put, straight broadcasters are not what this sport needs.
From the perspective of a fan that cares about whatever sport Goldberg is calling, you have to be irked. For many years, any high kick that was thrown in the Octagon was accompanied by a Mark Coleman-Pete Williams hat tip, while a successfully landed low kick triggered the name Maurice Smith and the similarities of his kicks to a baseball bat. Stuff like calling Travis Lutter “the Michael Jordan of Brazilian jiu-jitsu” is hard to live down. Also, he literally doesn't know what “literally” means.
Goldberg has been a good Zuffa soldier, though. Most fans probably don't remember that when the UFC started picking up steam, Vince McMahon made a very serious play to take away the UFC's play-by-play man. The thought of Goldberg getting replaced at this point seems about as likely to me as Anderson Silva losing once and getting his walking papers.
Live MMA play-by-play is honestly the hardest thing I have ever done in broadcasting. If I was a director and I wanted a safe, straightforward broadcaster who can be comfortable in any situation or fringe sport, I'd probably pick Goldberg. Now, if I was a director looking for an MMA play-by-play guy, I'd probably pick Sean Wheelock. However, it seems like we are still a long way from the generational “voice” that will raise the quality of fights in the cage all the way from the booth.