Bruce Buffer takes responsibility for UFC Seattle mix-up, clarifies UFC 327 situation

Bruce Buffer has built a reputation on precision inside the cage. After more than 30 years calling fights, even a rare mistake stands out.

That moment came at UFC Seattle. Following the heavyweight bout between Marcin Tybura and Tyrell Fortune, Buffer initially announced Tybura as the winner. The call was quickly reversed. Fortune was brought back, and the result was corrected.

Buffer has now spoken publicly about the incident.

“Well, I mean, I’m my own worst critic, of course, and I don’t put blame on anybody else,” 

“I’m the messenger, I’m the one that delivers it.”

He did not deflect responsibility.

“Whether there was some confusion at the commissioner’s desk beforehand or whatever, not even worth talking about. So I accept full responsibility for it.”

Separate situation at UFC 327

The veteran announcer was also involved in another unusual moment at UFC 327. In that case, the issue came after the fight.

Buffer announced Chris Padilla as the winner of a majority decision against Marquel Mederos. About an hour later, the result was changed to a majority draw due to a scoring discrepancy.

This time, Buffer says he followed the information given to him.

“Obviously it’s not an enjoyable moment because I’m a perfectionist.” 

 “But it happened and rolled off, announce the winner and have to deal, all good.”

He pointed out the difference between the two cases.

“I’ve been doing this for over 30 years, I’ve announced thousands of fights, and I am not one to make excuses.”

“Again, whether it was a situation that was caused by confusion elsewhere, doesn’t make any difference. I’m the one that delivered it.”

He contrasted it with the UFC 327 change.

“I should have cleared it up and had that cleared, unlike [UFC 327] where an hour later they turned around a decision.”

“That wasn’t me, that was the commission. They had given me the announcement to make and it was a majority [decision], and then they changed it to a majority [draw] in that fight.”

“Totally out of my hands, totally whatever, you know, things happen, and we just have to move on.”

Sincere apologies

Dana White addressed the Seattle moment shortly after it happened.

“It’s happened before.” 

“Buffer probably hung himself somewhere back here tonight.”

“But yeah, Buffer is an absolute pro and very rarely does that guy make mistakes.”

For Buffer, the biggest concern was not the optics. It was how the moment affected the fighters.

“Where I feel bad is that the moment I gave the fighter who thought he won, versus the moment I gave the fighter who thought he lost and then eventually won: For that, I’m dearly sorry,” 

“I have so much respect and I’m so honored to be able to announce these amazing octagon warriors.”

“So for that, I apologize, and onward and upward.”