Bruce Buffer Has Revealed When He'll Retire As The UFC Announcer

Bruce Buffer isn't going anywhere - at least for now.

The veteran 'Voice of the Octagon' has revealed his plans to remain with the UFC "for at least another 10 years".

At 63, Buffer has been the ring announcer for the mixed martial arts promotion for an incredible 24 years and has become synonymous with the multi-million-dollar company.

PA

Widely regarded as one of the best ring announcers in history, Buffer has been on hand to introduce some of the biggest names in the fight business before they go to war.

And he hopes he can continue to do so for another decade or so.

"I'm very humble about it all. I'm all about passion, everything I do is with a passion that is the reason why I announce the way I do," Buffer told BJPenn.com.

"When that passion starts to fade, which is not my case, then yes that is the time I will probably announce it is my time to retire. But, I would say you are stuck with me for at least another 10 years. I'm in great shape and stay in great shape. I'm lucky to do what I do."

Buffer has been with the UFC since 1996 having made his debut at UFC 8 in Puerto Rico in a card headlined by Ken Shamrock and Kimo Leopoldo.

Even though his famous 'It's Time' or 'fighting out of the red corner' catch phrases were missing, the fresh-faced Buffer still possessed the same presence, enthusiasm and energy that he does to this day.

It was, in essence, the birth of a stellar career spanning nearly three decades - a journey that Buffer has loved every second of.

"I always give 150 percent every time I walk into the Octagon," he said.

"I've said it many times, every time I walk out on Saturday, those are the nights I have to prove I deserve the job.

"When I am there with no audiences with two great warriors in Stipe (Miocic) and DC (Daniel Cormier), even when there are 50 thousand people in an arena, when the introduction happens it is just me and the fighter. Just enhance the moment."

PA

Whether it's his iconic voice or flashy suits, Buffer is well and truly a part of the furniture at the UFC.

But having been present for some of the biggest bouts in combat sports history, he can't quite decide what his favourite moment as an announcer is.

"It is hard to pinpoint one," Buffer said.

"You think of UFC 100 and the introduction on Brock Lesnar. UFC 200 which was a historical moment for the UFC. And Stephan Bonnar-Forrest Griffin which put the UFC back on the map. There are so many moments.

Topics: Sports, UFC, Australia, MMA, Dana White

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry