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MMA

10th Apr 2018

Bruce Buffer reacts to Conor McGregor bus incident

"There's no excuse for it."

Ben Kiely

When Bruce Buffer speaks in a serious tone, you know something bad has happened.

As the veteran voice of the Octagon, we’re used to hearing Bruce Buffer’s booming voice getting us amped up for fights. It’s reached the point where fans actually shout along to his catchphrases like ‘Iiiiiiiiiiit’s time’.

His purpose as Octagon announcer is drumming up some enthusiasm and creating an atmosphere, even if the fight he is introducing promises to be absolutely terrible. Case in point, the crowd went mental before CM Punk vs Mickey Gall. That’s how good he is at his job.

However, when Buffer gets serious, you know something is up. He put on the serious glasses and spoke in a serious tone when he was asked about the bus attack at UFC 223 media day involving Conor McGregor.

No excuse

Most UFC employees have spoken out against McGregor’s actions. Joe Rogan, Tyron Woodley, Daniel Cormier and Demetrious Johnson are among those who have condemned the bus attack. Buffer did likewise in a recent interview with TMZ.

“There’s no excuse for it. It’s an insult. It’s disgusting. That’s not what we’re all about. All I can say is, don’t look at the UFC, don’t look at the great fighters of mixed martial arts or anyone of us involved in mixed martial arts because this was something that occurred with one individual. It’s separate from who we are.”

Buffer got colourful with his language. He even went as far to suggest to liken the incident to defecating on the sport of MMA.

“I was shocked, horrified, never thought anything like this could happen in my 22 plus years of being in the UFC and doing everything I can in my life to build this great brand, this fantastic sport, from my own little niche… it’s like you shat on all of us with that one move. It’s not what we’re about.”

He closed off by suggesting that anybody can condone that kind of behaviour is ‘obviously they will be willing to do that kind of behaviour’.