5 Interesting facts about former UFC announcer Mike Goldberg

#4. Mike Goldberg loves hockey

Another interesting fact about Mike Goldberg is that he loves hockey. If there’s one sport the former voice of the UFC loves just as much, if not more than MMA, it’s hockey. Goldberg began playing ice hockey at 6 years old and continued playing through college, where he represented Miami University.

Goldberg has coached his son’s hockey teams in the past and continues playing in men’s recreational leagues. He has credited his hockey background for shaping him into being a team player and working well with others.

“I’m a hockey player, plain and simple that’s my DNA. I live by the locker-room code. I believe humbly that that’s why I’m a good team-player,” Mike Goldberg told VIBE 105.5FM Toronto

Although he resides in Arizona, his favorite hockey team is the San Jose Sharks of the National Hockey League (NHL). Goldberg has become close with many players over the years and continues supporting the Sharks.

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#3. Mike Goldberg has done play-by-play for National Hockey League (NHL) games

Another interesting fact about Mike Goldberg is that he has done play-by-play for NHL games. Prior to joining the UFC, Goldberg was calling NHL games for ESPN Hockey. The NHL is the top professional hockey league in the world and Goldberg has called over 900 NHL games. The 57-year-old even called both for a number of years.

Goldberg must’ve felt right at home when he was calling UFC bouts as both sports share a similar trait – fighting. The NHL allows fighting, however, players who do so, serve a 5-minute penalty in the penalty box.

Goldberg has called many memorable NHL moments during his career. In 1997, Goldberg was doing play-by-play when the infamous brawl broke out between the Detroit Red Wings and the Colorado Avalanche. Fans at Joe Louis Arena in Detroit were amped up, especially when goaltenders Patrick Roy and Mike Vernon fought.