Bruce Buffer is a name that is synonymous with the world of combat sports. Known for his booming voice and trademark “It’s Time!” catchphrase, he has been the voice of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) for over two decades. Buffer is not just a commentator, however, he is also a seasoned interviewer who has conducted countless post-fight interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport. In one such interview, Buffer found himself in a difficult spot when he was told not to mention a fighter’s salary.
The moment in question took place at UFC 208 in February 2017. The event, which was held at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York, featured a highly-anticipated featherweight matchup between Holly Holm and Germaine de Randamie. Following the fight, Buffer conducted an interview in the octagon with de Randamie, who had just been crowned the first-ever UFC women’s featherweight champion.
As Buffer began the interview, he was given specific instructions by UFC President Dana White not to ask de Randamie about her salary. This was a highly unusual request, as fighter pay is almost always a topic of discussion in post-fight interviews. Buffer complied with the instructions, but the moment did not go unnoticed by the millions of people watching around the world.
The incident sparked a debate about fighter pay in the UFC and the lack of transparency surrounding it. Many people were critical of the UFC for trying to control the narrative and prevent their fighters from talking openly about their compensation. Others defended the organization and argued that fighter pay is a private matter and should not be discussed in public.
For his part, Buffer did not comment on the incident publicly. As a professional, he understood that his job was to follow instructions and conduct the interview in a respectful manner. However, he has always been an advocate for fighter rights and has spoken out about the need for UFC fighters to be paid fairly.
In a 2017 interview with MMA Fighting, Buffer explained that fighters are the lifeblood of the sport and deserve to be compensated accordingly. He acknowledged that the UFC had made great strides in recent years with the introduction of the Reebok deal and the UFC Athlete Outfitting Policy, which ensures that fighters are paid for wearing official UFC merchandise during fight week. However, Buffer also pointed out that the UFC’s revenue had increased significantly in recent years and that fighters were not receiving a fair share of the profits.
Buffer’s commitment to the fighters and his willingness to speak out on their behalf have earned him the respect and admiration of the UFC community. He has been a fixture in the sport for over 20 years and has become an iconic figure in his own right. His passion and dedication to the UFC are evident in every fight he announces and every interview he conducts.
In conclusion, the moment when Bruce Buffer was told not to talk about fighter pay during an interview is a testament to the ongoing debate about fighter compensation in the UFC. While the incident sparked controversy, it also highlighted the importance of fairness and transparency in the sport. Buffer has always been a staunch defender of fighter rights and has spoken out about the need for them to receive fair compensation. As he continues to be the voice of the UFC and conduct post-fight interviews with some of the biggest names in the sport, he will undoubtedly continue to be an advocate for the fighters and a champion of their cause.