“This is a huge honor for me,” Buffer said backstage at UFC 258, at the UFC Apex in Las Vegas. The man behind “It’s time!” was there all the way back at UFC 8, the promotion’s only show in Puerto Rico. That was 1996. Months later, in July, he worked his first full show as part of UFC 10 — the same night Mark Coleman made his promotional debut.

Buffer has been part of the UFC family ever since. His snazzy suits, inimitable voice, and trademark catchphrase are as much a part of UFC cards as the fights themselves.

“My passion just keeps getting stronger. I wish I had another 25 years, who knows. Because I’m ready to rock for another 25 more,” Buffer exclaimed. “I can’t even imagine 25, its just gone by so fast. If there’s ever an example of time flying, this is it.”

Buffer was extremely thankful to the UFC for Saturday night’s tribute. “That really caught me like a side shot to the head. Just so beautiful. Thank you. Thank you, my beloved UFC. Thank you.”

And while not everyone recognized what the UFC would become in 1996, Buffer revealed that he was one of those who did. “Back in 1996 when I got involved with the UFC, I realized this was going to be the biggest thing happening in fighting sports. I realized it was probably going to be the biggest thing in sports. And that’s why I stuck with it.”

From the start, he was a loyal soldier, said Buffer. “I wanted to do everything I could beyond being the voice of the octagon and the octagon announcer for the UFC, because I love the organization. I love the sport. I love the honor of announcing these female and male octagon warriors, the greatest fighters in the world, some of the greatest people I’ve met,” he stated. “The friendships I’ve made, the relationships with the media, with fighters, with the people I work with, this is like boy scouts go to camp every weekend. Let’s face it, I love this. This is awesome.”

So what’s left for Bruce Buffer? He’s not planning on retiring any time soon. And he’s up for just about anything, always interested in new challenges. “Let me parachute out of a plane, and parachute into a stadium and yell ‘It’s time!’ as I land. I’ll do it. You ask me to, I’m there. I’m always game for something.”

We’re not sure if he’s joking. But for now, expect to see Bruce Buffer doing his thing inside the octagon for a long time to come.

The post UFC’s Bruce Buffer: “My Passion Just Keeps Getting Stronger” appeared first on Cageside Press.

Once those magical words echo throughout the arena, we know we are in for a great night of fights, and since 1996 in this ever-evolving sport it is the one thing that has been constant – Bruce Buffer’s voice.

From his Buffer 180 spin to the Buffer 360 spin he executed at UFC 100, Bruce always seems to capture the moment and make those special fights even more meaningful.

I’m not sure when or even why the thought crossed my mind of who could be next to replace the great Bruce Buffer, but it may have been when I first saw Lilian Garcia make her PFL debut on May 9, 2019. Like many MMA fans I was really impressed with how well she did, coming from such a different atmosphere like the WWE.

Once you start the “what if” game, you dive deep down the rabbit hole and start to wonder how much longer we will have with Bruce Buffer inside the UFC Octagon.

Dream Fight Needs Bruce Buffer

One dream fight that comes to mind that needs to be introduced by the veteran voice of the Octagon, is seemingly the single most cursed fight of all time – Nurmagomedov vs. Ferguson. This fight needs to have “KHABIB ‘THE EAGLE’ NURMAGOMEDOV” and “TONY ‘EL CUCUY’ FERGUSON” belted out from the passionate voice of Bruce Buffer.

Possible Replacements:

Lilian Garcia: Lilian has been doing amazing work with the PFL and you’d think the transition would be a little shaky as she had taken some time off after retiring from the WWE, but it was the complete opposite — she rocked her debut announcing gig with the PFL and showed the world how much of a pro she is on the mic.

Joe Martinez: He’s already has experience in the Octagon and has been getting the microphone placed in his hand to help out Buffer with the heavy workload due to the amount of fight cards that span the entire world. That is a huge honour and that could make him the front runner for the legendary spot.

Mauro Ranallo: Mauro’s voice is legendary within the combat sports world and I could see him bringing something unique when introducing fighters – but on the other hand, that would mean he would have to leave the play-by-play table and could we really part from his classic “Mamma mia!”?

Now, we always seem to discuss prospects when it comes to fighters, but I personally feel we might have to look elsewhere on the topic of who could replace Bruce Buffer. There are so many talented ring announcers in the fight business that need to be recognized. For me, one comes to mind is Jeff Way, who has been calling the amazing fights from promotions like Ruff MMA and the American Fight League.

Way always dresses to impress come fight night with his stylish suits, and follows it up with the passion and love he has for the sport that shows every time he announces. If given the opportunity, I could see him standing under the bright lights of the UFC in the future.

Father time always seems to catch up to every professional out there, but for now there hasn’t been much talk of retirement so we are safe from losing the voice of the UFC for another day. For now, I look forward to the amazing main events that get more extraordinary with hearing the classic, “IT’S TIME!”.

What are some of your favourite fights that Bruce Buffer has introduced that gave you goosebumps, or who do you think could replace the legendary Bruce Buffer? Let us know in the comments.

The post One Thing That Has Been Constant in MMA — Bruce Buffer’s Voice appeared first on Cageside Press.