Combat & UFC

Bruce Buffer recalls Conor McGregor hugging him after fight-ending injury

Name: Bruce Buffer recalls Conor McGregor hugging him after fight-ending injury
Uploaded: 2026-07-21T22:46:00+00:00
Description: UFC octagon announcer Bruce Buffer tells Ariel Helwani that Conor McGregor embraced him and put his head on Buffer’s shoulder after McGregor’s bout ended in injury. Buffer frames it as a private, consoling moment between the two men, later captured in a widely shared photograph.

The Ariel Helwani Show · Bruce Buffer Discusses Conor McGregor Hug, Why He Loves Paddy Pimblett, World Cup Final w/ Brother · July 21, 2026

The Ariel Helwani Show

Bruce Buffer Discusses Conor McGregor Hug, Why He Loves Paddy Pimblett, World Cup Final w/ Brother

"And when he when I got face to face with him, I put my hand on his shoulder to just say, "Are you okay?" and he came in and hugged me and put his head on my shoulder and we had that moment together."

UFC octagon announcer Bruce Buffer tells Ariel Helwani that Conor McGregor embraced him and put his head on Buffer’s shoulder after McGregor’s bout ended in injury. Buffer frames it as a private, consoling moment between the two men, later captured in a widely shared photograph.

About this episode

Ariel Helwani speaks with UFC octagon announcer Bruce Buffer about recent high-profile appearances and behind-the-scenes moments from major sporting events. Buffer describes how FIFA approached him after a prior finals match and ultimately brought him in for World Cup duties, including live in-stadium announcing and pre-recorded segments that crowds reportedly chanted along with. He says FIFA has referred to him as the “voice of FIFA” and predicts the relationship will continue next year.

Buffer also discusses a consoling interaction with Conor McGregor after a fight-ending injury, recalling that McGregor hugged him and rested his head on Buffer’s shoulder in a moment later photographed. He praises Paddy Pimblett’s popularity and recounts being surprised by a rapid submission win, framing Pimblett as a leading current UFC draw.

Turning to UFC’s White House grounds event, Buffer calls it a career “bucket list” experience, citing rehearsals on site, meeting the Marine Band, and an emotional reaction to a jet flyover. He claims the US national anthem was performed there, which he says had not happened at a UFC event previously.

Buffer reflects on perfectionism and on-air errors, alleging that an incorrectly written commission scorecard once contributed to him announcing the wrong winner, while another mistake was his own amid operational distractions. He also touches on voice care, travel demands, and the business of suits and collectibles, including fan requests for personalised announcements.

Key takeaways

Bruce Buffer says FIFA recruited him for World Cup announcing and he expects further work next year.
Buffer recalls Conor McGregor hugging him after an injury ended the fight, describing it as a private consoling moment.
Buffer says Paddy Pimblett’s quick submission win surprised him and describes Pimblett as a major UFC draw.
Buffer describes the White House UFC event as a career highlight, including a Marine Band interaction and a jet flyover.
Buffer alleges an athletic commission once provided a wrongly written scorecard that contributed to him announcing the wrong winner.
He explains his approach to voice care and adapting his delivery for smaller venues like the UFC Apex.

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