The case of long-time commentator Mike Goldberg, owner of a voice that became synonymous with MMA and the UFC, being unceremoniously relieved of his duties following a decision by the UFC's new owners, has been the focus of much debate over the past few weeks.
While some criticised Goldberg for his occasional mistakes and supposed lack of MMA knowledge, his departure brought to light just how popular a figure he was for fight fans.
Regardless of whether or not you agreed or disagreed on the decision to remove him from the commentary team, the overwhelming majority of those who held an opinion on the matter felt that Goldberg was poorly treated by his former employers.
After over 20 years of service to the UFC, Goldberg's departure passed with no acknowledgment from the organisation whatsoever, without a tribute, or so much as allowing him to give a proper goodbye.
That's why so many were pleased to see Goldie listed as one of the guests on the immensely popular MMA Hour with Ariel Helwani this week. Having himself been coldly treated by the UFC after his early reporting of the high profile story surrounding Brock Lesnar's return to MMA, only to see an unprecedented outpouring of support see him reinstated, Helwani was the perfect guy to give Mike Goldberg a chance to tell his side of the story.
And he did just that. Goldberg came across really well as he explained that it was a shock to be informed that he was no longer wanted, but due to the 100s of cuts the new owners made all throughout the company, he was not feeling sorry for himself, and he was absolutely blown away by the fans' reaction.
(Skip to 1:48:00 for Goldie)
Here's the real situation, and I'm no different to the guy in merchandise, or the 15 vice presidents who got let go, or the entire team in Canada that was shut down, I'm not the only guy who was let go by the new ownership.
Well over 100 people, Ariel, good friends of both yours and mine. I'm the one being talked about, because I had the high-profile job, but I'm not gonna sit here and weep because new ownership came in and I was one of the guys who got cut. I was one of a lot of people. A lot of good people.
I felt for my co-workers, for my friends, as much as I felt for myself, and I watched everything around me be shattered, it's like, it took 15 years to build this wonderful family and it took 15 minutes to destroy it.
It was just a really tought time. And it may still be tough, there may be more to come. This is not uncommon with an ownership change at any organisation.
It paints a cold picture of the new ownership for sure, but fair play to him. The blanket metaphor, too, was vintage Goldberg.
And he makes a very good point regarding the lack of a sendoff working in his favour, as had the UFC done a big goodbye montage, we wouldn't have seen so many reveal their love of Goldberg in complaining that he was not given one.
He had his flaws, he made his errors, but he and Rogan were a strong team that left their mark on every landmark event that the UFC have had, and there have been many, over the past two decades.
