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Buffer says a commission once gave him a wrongly written scorecard

Name: Buffer says a commission once gave him a wrongly written scorecard
Uploaded: 2026-07-21T22:46:00+00:00
Description: Discussing mistakes on the microphone, Buffer says one instance of announcing the wrong winner stemmed from receiving a scorecard he says was incorrectly written by an athletic commission. He declines to name the jurisdiction, and separately recalls another error he attributes to distractions at his desk and communications in his earpiece.

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

"It's happened where I've gotten the scorecard that was written wrong by the commission. Yeah. Right. And I'm not going to say any particular because I don't want to point any fingers."

Discussing mistakes on the microphone, Buffer says one instance of announcing the wrong winner stemmed from receiving a scorecard he says was incorrectly written by an athletic commission. He declines to name the jurisdiction, and separately recalls another error he attributes to distractions at his desk and communications in his earpiece.

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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