Bruce Buffer got involved in martial arts when he was 13. At the time, Bruce and his family lived in Philadelphia. He started studying judo and eventually earned a green belt before the family relocated to Malibu.
In California, Bruce encountered Tang Soo Do, a Korean fighting style similar to Tae Kwon Do. At 15, he began practicing Tang Soo Do with friends who were students of Chuck Norris. Bruce Buffer has a second degree black belt in the style.
Buffer’s interest in martial arts intensified in his early 20s. He decided to participate in kickboxing competitions. Bruce showed above-average skills as a kickboxer, but the sport took a toll on his body. After his second concussion, he ended his career at 32 years old.
Bruce Buffer didn’t want to risk his health by staying in the ring, but he didn’t lose his interest in martial arts. He remained active in the Southern California martial arts scene as a ringside announcer. Before events, he would work the crowd to get them excited for matches. He would also provide play-by-play ringside reporting that kept the audience engaged.
Buffer’s skill as an announcer caught the attention of UFC owner Robert Myer in the mid-1990s. He announced his first fight in 1996 at UFC 8. Later that year, he announced every fight at UFC 10.
Buffer’s popularity grew quickly. His voice was recognizable enough that he appeared on a 1997 episode of the hit comedy Friends. That year, he also convinced Myer to make him UFC’s official, full-time ring announcer. He started his job as a full-time announcer at UFC 13.
Bruce Buffer UFC
Bruce Buffer has worked with UFC almost since the organization’s beginning. A group of fighters and entrepreneurs founded the Ultimate Fighting Championship in 1993. Buffer became a ringside announcer in 1996 and secured a full-time position in 1997.
Bruce’s background as a kickboxer and martial artist helps him introduce fighters and describe action on the octagon. He also has a compelling voice that generates excitement in crowds. His half brother, Michael, shares this talent.
Buffer continues announcing for UFC. He also makes appearances outside of the organization. For example, he has appeared on several television shows and licenses his voice for video games.
How Did Bruce Buffer Make His Money?
Bruce Buffer made most of his money as a UFC ringside announcer. He typically earns $50,000 to $100,000 per event. Some sources say he has received significantly higher fees – potentially as high as $1 million – for high-profile fights.
Buffer has used his success as a sports announcer to make money in other industries too. He has appeared on several television shows, including Friends. He also makes special appearances for which he charges $50,000 or more.
Some of his most lucrative arrangements come from licensing his appearance and voice. Several UFC video games use his voice and signature catchphrase. A casino gaming company also builds slot machines that use his voice.
Bruce Buffer and his brother, Michael, have so many revenue streams that they formed a company to manage them. Bruce serves as the President and CEO of The Buffer Partnership. He earns an undisclosed salary for his role within the company.
How Much Does Bruce Buffer Make Per Fight?
Most sources say that Bruce Buffer makes $50,000 for announcing UFC fights and $100,000 for announcing special UFC fights.
These amounts add up quickly throughout the year. Let’s say Buffer announces every event in 15 Fight Nights. At $50,000 per match, he would make $750,000.
Typically, Bruce Buffer announces 12 pay-per-view fights in addition to the 15 Fight Nights. He receives $100,000 for each PPV fight. Overall, he earns nearly $2 million a year.
Some reports say that Bruce Buffer earns $1 million or more for high-profile fights. This information hasn’t been confirmed by Buffer or UFC.
How Much Does It Cost To Hire Bruce Buffer?
Individuals and organizations can hire Bruce Buffer to announce and MC events outside of UFC. The cost of hiring him depends on the specific job. For example, it only costs $375 to hire him on Cameo.
Nearly 1,000 people have already done it. That’s a low price to surprise a loved one with a personalized message from the Veteran Voice of the Octagon.
Hiring him for in-person events costs quite a bit more. His public appearance fee starts at $40,000. Expect to pay up to $100,000 for him to announce an event or perform.
On top of his fees, anyone hiring Bruce Buffer will need to pay for travel, lodging, food, and similar expenses.
Bruce Buffer Salary
Bruce Buffer doesn’t get an annual salary from UFC. Instead, he receives a payment for each event he announces.
He earns $50,000 for typical UFC events and $100,000 for special, pay-per-view fights.
On average, he makes about $2 million from UFC annually. He also earns extra money from sponsorships and hosting private events.
Bruce Buffer’s Net Worth
Bruce Buffer has an estimated $14 million net worth.
Determining his precise value is difficult because he has so many income sources. In addition to hosting UFC events, he earns money from private appearances and sponsorships.
He has even worked with game developers to make slot machines that feature his voice.
How Are Bruce Buffer and Michael Buffer Related?
Yes, Bruce Buffer and Michael Buffer are half brothers. Both of them have careers as sports announcers.
Michael, who is 12 years older than Bruce, started his career as a ring announcer for boxing events. Within a year of beginning the job, he became the only announcer who worked with Bob Arum’s ESPN boxing show, Top Rank.
Michael Buffer had a unique position in 1983, the year he began announcing fights on ESPN. At the time, boxing and other sporting events relied on local ring announcers. Michael was one of the first to establish and attract a national audience. He became even more popular as his catchphrase, “Let’s get ready to rumble!” gained attention.
Michael Buffer is worth $400 million.
Interestingly, Bruce and Michael didn’t meet until they were adults with independent careers as sports announcers. Bruce lived with his father, but the family didn’t have connections to Michael.
One day, their biological father saw Michael Buffer on TV and realized the announcer was his son from a previous marriage. Their father hadn’t seen Michael since he was 2 years old.
For a time in the 1990s, Bruce worked as Michael’s agent. Later, they formed The Buffer Partnership to manage their numerous licensing agreements and appearances.
What Does Bruce Buffer Say Before a Fight?
Bruce Buffer has a trademark catchphrase that he says before each UFC event, “It’s time!”
Bruce also has a signature move he performs when introducing fighters to the octagon. The move involves spinning 180 degrees, pointing to the fighter, and saying their name. It has earned the name “Buffer 180.”
Buffer’s career as an announcer puts considerable strain on his voice. He keeps his vocal cords healthy by spending time in a steam room and drinking warm beverages with honey.
Bruce follows an exercise and diet plan to stay healthy. He avoids eating carbohydrates and often fasts after 6 pm.
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