UFC commentator Mike Goldberg issues first statement after leaving promotion

For nearly 20 years, Mike Goldberg was a staple of the Ultimate Fighting Championship.

The play-by-play commentator called his first fight for the promotion in December 1997, but Ronda Rousey's defeat to Amanda Nunes at UFC 207 was his swansong. The UFC has brought in Todd Grisham to commentate on Fight Night Events - perhaps with a view to elevating him to PPV duties - but many long-time fans have been waiting for Goldberg to break his silence. UFC president Dana White said he would let Goldberg speak rather than putting words in his mouth, and now the 52-year-old has thanked fans, fighters and everyone else for what he describes as 'an incredible ride'. 'I’ll forever be grateful for being on this journey with all of you for the last 19 years,' Goldberg tweeted. And how could he let it pass without a reference to Anderson Silva's precision, as documented 40 seconds into the video below. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=C31Vu6B9MFI Here's Goldberg's statement in full:

'I wish I could respond to every single fan, fighter and member of the media who reached out and showed their support, gratitude and appreciation! It has been overwhelming and so gratifying! Thank you!! 'Every single UFC, from Ultimate Japan to UFC 207, my primary focus has been on just two things! 'First, to bring passion, energy and raw emotion to our fans around the world, dedicated, diehard fans like none other! 'Second, to properly represent each and every fighter, from UFC newcomer to veterans with 20 plus Octagon battles, our fighters work so hard and sacrifice so much it was my responsibility to prepare and tell their stories!! 'Tommy Toe Hold, that video was hilarious! 'And just for the record, I still believe that Anderson Silva's Precision is Precise!'