There’s always more to a UFC event than just the fighters! Highlight reels, the buzz, the drama, and the deafening crowd taking center stage. However, there is something that has stood the test of time and has proved to be of prime importance to the sport since UFC 8 way back in 1996. We are talking about the legendary ‘Voice of the Octagon,’ Bruce Buffer, whose iconic fight introductions have become a staple in MMA. At 67 years old, Buffer remains a vital part of UFC events, captivating fans with his signature “It’s time!” call before main events — a moment that never fails to send chills down the spines of viewers.

Alongside his brother Michael, the iconic boxing announcer, the Buffer name has become synonymous with high-stakes showdowns, cementing their legacy in pop culture. However, UFC color commentator Joe Rogan has expressed concern about Buffer’s intense announcing style. While Rogan himself is often hyped up during Buffer’s introductions, he’s also voiced worries about the toll it could take on the veteran announcer’s health. Rogan has even speculated about a scenario where Buffer’s high-energy performances could pose a serious risk during a live UFC event.

“I’m worried about Bruce Buffer because, Bruce Buffer, he puts out so much energy,” Joe Rogan told his guest Billy Corgan #2283 JRE episode. “I was telling the guys the other day [that] one day, he’s going to be in the middle screaming someone’s name and he’s just going to fall and check out. Like, right in the middle. ‘It’s time!’ Boom! His eyes will roll back.”

Joe Rogan has a unique perspective on Bruce Buffer’s energetic announcing style — one that blends admiration with concern. While Rogan doesn’t want anything bad to happen to his longtime colleague, he joked that if Buffer were to collapse mid-introduction, it might be a fitting way for the iconic announcer to go out. “That would be amazing. I don’t want him to die. I love him. But if he did die that way, I’d be like, ‘What a legend,'” Rogan said.

Well, Bruce Buffer’s highly enthusiastic method of announcing fights really took a toll on his body back at UFC 129. As Georges St-Pierre stood across Jake Shields inside the cage, Buffer started introducing the fighters to a gargantuan 55000+ Montreal crowd in attendance. While announcing ‘GSP’s name, Buffer bunny-hopped, like he normally does, but landed awkwardly, leading him to blow his knee up. “I blew my ACL in front of 55,000 people in Toronto. I did not fall like, God bless the football players, but (I) at least didn’t fall I still stayed up,” Buffer revealed during an episode of the Impaulsive podcast.

Fortunately, Buffer remains in excellent shape even in his 60s, showing no signs of slowing down. His booming voice continues to electrify UFC arenas worldwide, ensuring fans never miss that unforgettable “It’s time!” moment. However, there was a time when Buffer’s health was genuinely at risk — and it had nothing to do with his UFC duties. During the pandemic, Buffer faced a serious health scare, reminding fans that even the most energetic voices in sports aren’t invincible.

Thankfully, the veteran announcer bounced back stronger than ever, continuing to deliver unforgettable moments inside the Octagon.

Bruce Buffer once concerned the MMA community with his COVID-19 news

The pandemic was arguably the worst period of the 21st century, as COVID-19 forced the world to shut down. The UFC, among many other businesses, had to operate in a bubble. However, in 2021, fans would find out that Bruce Buffer contracted the virus, and the UFC had no choice but to replace him with Joe Martinez. Fortunately, his health didn’t deteriorate, and he shared a message regarding the situation and assured everybody that he had taken the necessary measures, but he didn’t stop working.

“I thank God I’m vaccinated… Luckily, no lung damage that I can tell. My lungs feel good. I’ve been doing videos and cameos and getting them out. Even when I was sick, I was doing it because, obviously, I’m here at home,” Bruce Buffer stated during his It’s Time!!! podcast. Now, the 67-year-old veteran has been active in almost every UFC pay-per-view.

What do you think about Bruce Buffer’s announcing style? Do you have someone else’s name in mind? Let us know your thoughts in the comments down below.