In the high-octane world of UFC commentary, where pressure is relentless and stakes are sky-high, John Gooden’s career mantra is surprisingly simple: “Work hard and don’t be a di**. It’s a philosophy that’s not only helped Gooden climb the ranks but also sustain his position in one of the world’s most competitive industries.

In an exclusive chat with EssentiallySports, Gooden—one of the most recognizable voices in UFC— shares the story behind a mantra that’s stuck with him through the highs and lows of his career: “My coach gave me a sticker when I walked into the gym the other day. It said, ‘Don’t be a di**.’ Behind that was quite a thoughtful gift because my moniker has kind of been, ‘Work really hard and don’t be a di** because it catches up with you.’”

This approach has shaped Gooden’s career and has, in his words, separated those who last in the business from those who don’t. He explains, “I’ve seen people that are technically better broadcasters than I am—smarter, probably better looking—all the things you might associate with a top-level broadcaster. But every now and then, I’ve seen how they are when the cameras are down, and I’m like, ‘Oh, you’re pretty difficult to work with.'”

Gooden’s journey to UFC commentary goes back to his childhood, where martial arts played a pivotal role. “I’ve been on the mat since I was 7 years old, so martial arts definitely molded my life,” Gooden shares. After a brief detour into football at a high amateur level, combat sports called him back. “My coach put on a show, and I took to the microphone at the Watford Coliseum. Through my process of research, going out to gyms, and jumping on the mat with fighters, I was really immersing myself in the UK MMA scene.”

Gooden’s early career wasn’t just about knowing the game; it was about living it—stepping onto the mat with fighters, learning their stories, and immersing himself in the UK MMA circuit. This depth has made him more than a commentator; it’s made him a voice for the fighters.

This hands-on approach paid off, with John Gooden getting opportunities to commentate for regional promotions. He adds, “I got the Cage Warriors opportunity, a few more shows at Shock N Awe, and then when the UFC were expanding internationally, I think I was probably one of the most active guys.”

Despite his success, Gooden remains grounded, always reflecting on how his career has unfolded: “How did you get there? Yeah, I ask myself the same question every morning, Andrew—ha ha ha.” He humbly acknowledges the unexpected nature of his rise but remains committed to staying true to his roots. He adds, “Plus 10 years later, I seem to have kept up and kind of impressed enough to hold down a job. Could you believe it?” With a career built on grit and respect, Gooden’s dedication hasn’t just elevated his own path—it’s also opened doors to unforgettable moments with the biggest names in the sport.

From Max Holloway to Ilia Topuria: John Gooden’s Unmatched Access to UFC’s Top Fighters

One of the perks of the job, Gooden admits, is the access to some of the sport’s biggest stars. Rubbing shoulders with UFC icons isn’t just a perk for Gooden—it’s a chance to deepen his respect for the sport he narrates, infusing his broadcasts with insight and reverence.

He explains, “I get to hang out with UFC Hall of Famers, I get to regularly speak to guys like Max Holloway and Ilia Topuria in casual settings.” However, he attributes this not just to the nature of his work but also to his personal approach. “I’d like to think I’m an alright guy, and people aren’t offended by my company,” Gooden adds.

But when it comes to surreal moments, Gooden finds himself grounded by the complexity and stakes of UFC broadcasts. “There’s something about the complexity of a UFC broadcast, the stakes, and my dedication to trying to tell the story the best way I can. I’m so dialed in, it really means a lot to me,” Gooden expresses.

Redefining the Game: The Rise of UFC’s First English Commentator

For a young fighter-turned-broadcaster from Watford, England, the title of the first English voice in the UFC is not just a career milestone; it’s a testament to his relentless journey in a field dominated by seasoned American voices.

As the first Englishman to commentate on a UFC broadcast, Gooden still pinches himself when he reflects on his career. “Every now and then when I attend UFC events and I’m not on the clock, I sit there with a beer, and I get a really nice seat in the house, and then I look around and go, ‘How the hell has a guy from Watford managed to land himself this spot?’”

Gooden’s journey to the top is a testament to his simple philosophy: work hard and treat people well. He told his fans in this exclusive, “Behave yourself, you know, don’t be a di**, but of course, you have to work really, really hard and do it longer than everyone else. That’s how you get to and hopefully sustain a position at the highest level.”

Gooden’s story serves as a reminder that sometimes, it’s the simplest advice—work hard, treat people well—that makes the biggest impact, even in the high-stakes world of UFC. As he continues to bring fans closer to the action with authenticity and passion, it’s clear that his journey is far from over.

In this insightful EssentiallySports Exclusive, John Gooden left us with a powerful reminder of his journey and values, summed up in a mantra that’s as straightforward as it is impactful. Stay tuned for more behind-the-scenes perspectives, only on EssentiallySports Exclusives—where the real stories from the world of sports come to light.

This article is co-authored by its editor, Mallika Singh