The voice of boxing, Michael Buffer, has become a staple in the sport, announcing some of the biggest fights in combat sports but little did he know his brother would go on to have the same job over in the UFC.
Michael Buffer has been an iconic part of some of the sport’s biggest fights – from Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao and Anthony Joshua vs Wladimir Klitschko, all the way to Tyson Fury vs Oleksandr Usyk.
Buffer even announced the recent Artur Beterbiev vs Dmitry Bivol 2 card, in which Callum Smith fought Joshua Buatsi in a fight of the year contender, and Hamzah Sheeraz vs Carlos Adames outraged fans as it was scored a draw.
Buffer has become the voice of boxing with his trademark catchphrase: ‘Let’s get ready to rumble!”
In fact, it was his career as one of the iconic faces of boxing that allowed Buffer to find his brother, a reunion that had a real impact on combat sports.
Bruce Buffer became the voice of the UFC after seeing Michael Buffer on television
Michael Buffer’s brother, Bruce Buffer, reportedly only found out the boxing announcer was his long-lost brother when, watching TV, his father pointed him out and told Bruce: “That’s your brother!”
Bruce and Michael’s father, Joe Buffer, had been separated from Michael at birth. Bruce organized a meeting with Michael, and the pair connected for the first time in their forties.
Bruce would go on to become the MMA counterpart to Michael, announcing for the UFC’s most iconic fights. He even has a catchphrase of his own: “It’s time!”
Before this, however, he became his brother’s manager, and even helped Michael trademark his well-known line.
Michael Buffer snubbed while announcing a wedding in Wigan
Buffer’s voice has been used for more than just boxing, as he recently appeared in Wigan as a wedding announcer.
Buffer began announcing the ceremony, but was interrupted by an attendee who claimed he and the other guests had a flight to catch. Buffer was later replaced altogether by a different announcer in the interest of saving time.
The bizarre appearance turned out to be part of a Sky Sports promotional campaign for the Rugby League in Las Vegas, as the Wigan Warriors are set to face the Warrington Wolves there this evening.