Bruce Buffer recalls wildest UFC brawls in and out of octagon, has strong words for banned Dillon Danis
UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer has witnessed numerous fights and brawls during his 31-year career, including the infamous Khabib McGregor incident and recent hotel lobby brawl involving Merab Dvalishvili.
Mixed martial artists are generally not friendly inside or outside of the octagon, as evidenced by numerous brawls throughout UFC history. The most recent incident occurred in Abu Dhabi last week, where former UFC bantamweight champion Merab Dvalishvili was jumped by MMA free agent Usman Nurmagomedov in a hotel lobby. Usman and his crew were subsequently sentenced to six months in prison for the attack.
Buffer's Experience
UFC ring announcer Bruce Buffer, who has been with the organization since 1996, has witnessed his fair share of chaotic moments. I was at the Khabib and Conor McGregor fight when Khabib jumped over the cage. That was a big deal. I've also seen other brawls break out. I've seen so many; I've been doing this for 31 years, Buffer recalled in a recent interview with OutKick.
I remember a big brawl in the early days at an after-party. I was talking to Tank Abbott, and all of a sudden I saw Tank get hit across the face with an overhand right. It was Wallid Ismail, and all hell broke loose.
Danis Ban
Buffer has strong opinions about the ban placed on Dillon Danis following his involvement in a brawl with several members of lightweight champion Islam Makhachev's team at UFC's last event at Madison Square Garden. "Dylan's banned. Dylan should be banned. It seems every time Dylan goes somewhere, he causes trouble, so there's no reason for him to be anywhere near us. I have no problem saying that," Buffer stated.
Safety Advice
When asked about how he handles himself during brawls, Buffer shared his personal strategy: "When I'm in a brawl like that, I get my back to a wall so you only have to worry about who's in front of you. Everybody's going at it. Always keep your back protected and know where your exit is. Know where your six is. Just watch. But things happen."
Buffer expressed sympathy for Dvalishvili, saying he was "sorry to see" that he got fined, "because it wasn't his fault." However, he acknowledged the legal consequences: But those are the laws over there. Don't do anything - don't throw punches unless you're in the ring or the Octagon. If you're in Abu Dhabi, it's not going to be a good outcome.
At 69 years old, Buffer has no plans of retiring anytime soon, stating he wants "to keep going" as the UFC continues to grow and host events worldwide.
Related
