If you’re a fan of MMA, then chances are you’ve watched the Ultimate Fighting Championship or UFC. If you’ve been watching the UFC fights for any length of time, then you’ll know the name and the face of my next MMA-related professional talent.
Here are a few clues. This gentleman has been announcing UFC fights since UFC 8. He’s trained in the martial arts, including Judo, Tang Soo Doo (where he earned a black belt), and Muay Thai Kickboxing. Many people know of his famous brother, who is the boxing ring announcer famous for his “Lets Get Ready to Rumble” saying.
He’s a renowned poker player and an avid surfer. He’s known for his “180” and more recently, for his “360”. He’s so much a part of the UFC and MMA, when Topps made up their MMA-cards, he got one of his own. Give up?
Why it’s non-other than Mr. Bruce Buffer! Yeah – I know, the picture probably said it all! Well, that and the title. 😉
This gentleman has always been enthusiastic, faithful to the sport, and true to the UFC. Not that he’s my BFF, but honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever heard him say a bad word about anyone. That makes him uncommon in today’s world, and gold in my book.
Please enjoy this brief interview as I continue my series on MMA-related professionals, to find out where they think MMA is going.
Katrina Belcher: What do you think is the hardest thing for MMA fighters who want to go pro?
BB: Finding the best trainer and manager who matches up well with them and their passion for fighting, while receiving the best training possible.
Katrina Belcher: What do you feel needs to change in MMA to make this sport better?
BB: I think it is progressing very well and faster than most realized it would, which is mainly due to all the ground breaking work that the UFC has done for all to benefit by.
Otherwise I think all is working very well, and it is all about maintaining a class image to attract more mainstream sponsors and future growth.
Katrina Belcher: Do you feel MMA will ever go mainstream?
BB: I feel it has entered the mainstream, and will take more time to convince all that this is the greatest fighting sport in the world – and the safest by all standards as it grows and grows.
Perception is reality. People are becoming fans on an ever-growing basis as it has grabbed the hearts and minds of the 18 to 34 year old demographic that everyone wants to sell to.
Katrina Belcher: What do you do when you’re not announcing for the UFC or playing Poker?
BB: I am an avid surfer, collector, reader, movie buff and am very health conscious, so I work out all the time and I love being with my loved ones when I am not traveling.
Katrina Belcher: Bruce – thanks so much for your time. Can I just say thank you so much and you’re the best?!
BB: Thank you and Happy New Year!
Okay, so I’m a sucker for Bruce Buffer. Personally I don’t think they show enough of him anymore during the fights, but then I don’t have Dana’s ear…so I guess my opinion doesn’t matter. If you’ve read this far and agree, then comment about it! Maybe Dana will see it and give BB some more face time!
For your viewing pleasure – please see a video of his 180 and 360 below!
