Bellator adds Mike Goldberg and Mauro Ranallo to commentary team

Two veteran voices in the MMA world have signed on to the Spike TV promotion as it gears up for its June 24th PPV event.

When the UFC unceremoniously let go of Mike Goldberg in December 2016, it was unclear what exactly would be the next step for the longtime MMA play-by-play announcer. But, for fans who miss the particular commentary flavor that Goldberg brought to mixed martial arts, there’s good news. He’s found a new home with Bellator.

The Spike TV promotion announced, via press release, that Goldberg would be joining their commentary team alongside veteran boxing, pro-wrestling, and MMA play-by-play analyst Mauro Ranallo. Ranallo is coming off his own promotional split, having recently left the WWE amid speculation and controversy over a “bullying” scandal involving commentary partner John "Bradshaw" Layfield. Ranallo later denied that rumors of bullying had anything to do with his parting ways with the pro-wrestling promotion.

Ranallo made his name in MMA working the booth for Pride FC events, eventually becoming one of the principal PBP announcers for Showtime, and their EliteXC and Strikeforce promotions. He and Goldberg will join Jimmy Smith, Jenn Brown, and Chael Sonnen as members of the promotion’s broadcast team. This following the recent departure of Sean Grande earlier this week.

Bellator’s press release states that Goldberg and Ranallo have signed “multi-event broadcast agreements beginning with Bellator NYC: Sonnen vs. Silva and Bellator 18: Davis vs. Bader,” both taking place on June 24th at Madison Square Garden in New York, NY. Veteran MMA reporter Josh Gross offered further details (via Twitter), that Goldberg will be on play-by-play duties, while Ranallo will work as the desk analyst.

It appears the promotion is looking to pull in any and all available talent for their second ever PPV offering, so stay tuned to Bloody Elbow for more news as the card approaches.