The following list details five things we learned from UFC commentator John Gooden’s Reddit AMA.
#5 Gooden’s martial arts history
One of the first questions was about the validity of rumors that Gooden is a BJJ black belt. The commentator quickly dispelled this. However, as is the case with many involved in MMA media, he does have a certain level of experience in martial arts. He stated:
#4 Why Gooden doesn’t commentate in the US
John Gooden has become a familiar voice in the UFC commentary booth for any event outside of the US. However, he is yet to commentate on an event in the States. Gooden revealed that this is due to him not currently having a US visa and that the UFC already has a surplus of American commentators.
#3 Gooden’s route to UFC commentator
The typical background of the majority of UFC commentators is that of being a former UFC competitor. Daniel Cormier, Paul Felder, and Michael Bisping are all examples. However, Gooden worked his way up the regional shows, picking up experience behind the mic, before finally getting his big opportunity. He said:
#2 Favourite commentator to work with
The UFC has some of the best commentators in the whole sport, and Gooden has had the opportunity to work with many of them. One of the questions posed was who is his favorite UFC commentator to cover and call fights alongside. He stated:
#1 Future of ‘Inside the Octagon’ following Dan Hardy’s UFC release
In addition to his commentary duties, Gooden serves as one half of the UFC’s Inside the Octagon (ITO) YouTube show. In the past, Gooden worked alongside former UFC fighter turned commentator and analyst Dan Hardy. However, Hardy was recently released by the UFC following a reported disagreement Hardy had with a UFC staff member.
Gooden was asked what it has been like with Hardy’s release and whether Laura Sanko is set to be his permanent replacement. He stated the following:
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