Chael Sonnen suggests Jim Rome will replace Mike Goldberg as UFC commentator

At Awful Announcing, we’re always hearing rumors about potential moves in sports media. This latest rumor regarding UFC’s top announcing team certainly one of the more ingtriguing we’ve heard in a long time. As UFC is in transition after its sale to WME/IMG, there has been talk that announcers Mike Goldberg and Joe Rogan may be replaced.

But Rogan has signed a one-year deal this year that will keep him on the major pay per views in 2017. What about Goldberg? Well, Chael Sonnen who loves to throw out rumors then playfully backtracks has tossed out one about the play-by-play position.

In a recent edition of the “You’re Welcome” podcast, Sonnen made reference to the possibility of a Jim Rome/Joe Rogan team.

“Is Jim Rome going to join Joe Rogan? Is he going to take that offer? Did I just say something that is not public information? Let’s move on…”

No comment from Rome on this. And of course, nothing from Dana White or any UFC higher-ups. However, White himself has hinted that there could be new announcers down the road saying he’s ready to bring together a “dream team of commentating” and saying the person he’s ready to hire has been someone he’s been wanting “for years.” Whether he’s referring to Rome or someone else is anyone’s guess.

Rome would bring name recognition from his national radio show that’s aired daily on CBS Sports Radio and his various appearances on The NFL Today.

On his radio show, Rome has been UFC-friendly interviewing White and various personalties as guests. And while he’s best known for hosting his radio show either on Premiere Radio Networks or CBS Sports Radio, Rome isn’t known as a play-by-play guy.

Will the MMA community accept Rome after being accustomed to hearing Goldberg call fights since 2002? That’s a good question. As for now, the rumors of Rome replacing Goldberg are just rumors until there’s actual confirmation.

[Bloody Elbow]