Mike Goldberg names "key" hire that helped change the perception of the UFC: "Most respected man"
Mike Goldberg recently named who he believes was arguably the most important hire for Dana White and the Fertitta brothers when they took over the UFC. He noted that the perception of the sport wasn't great and required a respected figure in combat sports.
'Goldie' had a 19-year tenure with the promotion, where he served as the main play-by-play commentator along with Joe Rogan. He was with the promotion when they experienced a surge in popularity that saw them become accepted in North America and worldwide appeal.
During his appearance on Quinton 'Rampage' Jackson's JAXXON PODCAST, Goldberg named the promotion's current vice president of regulatory affairs, Marc Ratner as a significant hire by White and the Fertitta brothers. He mentioned that Ratner was very well respected and was instrumental with assisting the UFC brass with regulations:
"If you looked at what the format was under SEG, they ran away from regulation. They key to Lorezno and Frank [Fertitta], and Dana [White's] success is Marc Ratner, who they hired immediately. Probably the most respected man among sports commissions in the United States even probably more so, in other countries because he was at the Nevada State Athletic Commission."
Check out Mike Goldberg's comments below:
Mike Goldberg explains why former US senator John McCain went after MMA
In addition to discussing a significant hire by the UFC, Mike Goldberg explained why former US senator John McCain was so against MMA and went after the promotion during their early years.
During the aforementioned appearance, Goldberg mentioned that the sport was much different at the time because of what was being promoted compared to modern day:
"It wasn't the UFC. It was just the sport that it really was, it wasn't you against Rashad [Evans]...It really wasn't mixed martial arts yet...It was like, which martial art is superior? Is it wrestling? Is it Muay Thai? Is it Jiu Jitsu? Is it ground and pound? Is it submission fighting? What is it?"
Check out Mike Goldberg's comments below: