Joe Rogan was left completely stunned after Bruce Buffer’s on-air error to kick off UFC’s Paramount era.
UFC 324 began a new era for the MMA leaders following their whopping $7.7 billion deal with Paramount.
An interim UFC lightweight title showdown between Justin Gaethje vs. Paddy Pimblett headlines the card, with a stacked supporting cast.
Ty Miller vs. Adam Fugitt opened the UFC 324 card from Las Vegas’ T-Mobile Arena.
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Buffer was tasked with introducing the two welterweight fighters, but he inexplicably botched his delivery.
The legendary announcer mixed up the two fighters, reading Fugitt’s facts about Miller and vice versa.
After calling Fugitt by the wrong name, UFC commentator Rogan was left bemused.
On commentary, he said: “What just happened?!”
Miller was making his UFC debut, so Buffer had never announced him before. Fugitt, however, was making his sixth Octagon appearance, meaning the 68-year-old would have introduced him in the past.
As for the actual fight, Miller got the better of Fugitt, stopping him in the very first round.
He landed a barrage of strikes, including a short right hand that dropped Fugitt.
Miller continued his onslaught, forcing referee Chris Tognoni to intervene just one second before the end of the round.
Speaking in his post-fight press conference, Miller revealed that Buffer apologised to his team.
Asked if he noticed the introduction error, the 25-year-old replied: "Yes, I did. And I was going to yell, 'that's not him and that's not me'. But I was like 'no, focus on the fight'."
He added: "He told one of my coaches that he was super sorry and it's no big deal at all. I hope he doesn't feel too bad."
Nasir Jabbar