When “It’s Time!” is bellowed throughout the arena at any UFC PPV event, you know you are in for a show. Known as the “Veteran Voice of the Octagon,” Buffer is as popular with fans in the UFC as the fighters are. He has used that to build a brand that has become undeniable.
Buffer has been with the UFC since 1996 and has left his mark in a combat sports world where Michael Buffer has been the voice of it. Bruce rarely takes an event off, and his catchphrase excites those ready to watch two gladiators battle it out.
“Listen — catchy little f—— things like that, I’m not really into,” UFC CEO Dana White told ESPN. “But Buffer’s ‘It’s Time’ — the way he delivers it is incredible. And it’s become a thing. This guy is a total professional, perfectionist. This guy doesn’t miss a show, never, no matter where it is, how close the shows are together, he will fly anywhere. He’s always very prepared and kills it every single time.”
When Bruce started at UFC 8, who would have thought he would be a trending topic by UFC 295? It was all part of the Buffer blueprint, something that remains untouchable to this day.
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Here’s all you need to know about Bruce, from how he started to his relationship with Michael.
Who is Bruce Buffer?
Buffer learned judo when he was young, earning a black belt in Tang Soo Do. He started his run in the UFC at UFC 8, announcing several fights before hosting all events following UFC 13. He first had to convince top brass to use him in a permanent role.
“I’m a brand-builder,” Buffer told Front Office Sports. “I’ve been in martial arts since I was 12. I realized that that was my world.”
“You’re going to get a lot more than an announcer. I’ll do everything I can to help grow the sport,” Buffer told executives, who got his shot after being on an episode of Friends. “I feel like a girl waiting to be asked to the prom. I’ll help you build this brand, and I’ll grow with you as the announcer.”
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During his time in the octagon, Buffer has amassed a large following. He has a move called the “Buffer 180,” where he spins, stops, and points at the fighter in the octagon. Fight fans also scream his “It’s Time!” catchphrase whenever he announces a main event.
What is Bruce Buffer’s relation to Michael Buffer?
Bruce is the half-brother of boxing legend Michael Buffer. He was first introduced to him after he saw Michael on TV.
“I saw this man come out,” he told BT Sport. “This very handsome, debonair James Bond style man with an incredible voice.
“All of a sudden I’m becoming a fan and then he started putting his name on the TV screen and it said Michael Buffer and I thought ‘are you kidding me?'”
“My dad never told me that when he was serving in World War II he had gotten married at a young age, a son was born [on 2 November 1944] and nine months later when he came back they divorced,” he added.
“The last time he saw the child was when he was two-and-a-half.
“Michael was raised by foster parents under the name of Huber but when he went into the army during the Vietnam war [recruiters] saw his birth certificate said his name was Buffer as he was never formally adopted as Huber.”
The two formed a company together called The Buffer Partnership.
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Bruce Buffer net worth
Per Celebrity Net Worth, Buffer has a net worth of $12 million. He reportedly makes $100,000 per event.
Comparing him to his half-brother, Michael Buffer has a net worth of about $400 million.
Bruce Buffer social media influence
Buffer has a strong social media following:
- Instagram: 1.4 million followers
- Facebook: 1.1 million followers
- Twitter/X: 332K followers