Joe Rogan was visibly taken aback following an on-air faux pas by Bruce Buffer at the outset of UFC 324, marking the start of a new era for the organization under a massive $7.7 billion partnership with Paramount.
The event featured an eagerly anticipated interim lightweight title bout between Justin Gaethje and Paddy Pimblett, with a strong lineup supporting the main event. The card kicked off with a welterweight clash between Ty Miller and Adam Fugitt, held at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas.
However, the night began on an unexpected note when Buffer, the iconic UFC announcer, made a notable slip during his fighter introductions. He inadvertently mixed up the names and details of Miller and Fugitt, which left UFC commentator Rogan puzzled. On air, Rogan exclaimed, “What just happened?!” as he witnessed the blunder.
This was a particularly unusual mistake for Buffer, given that Miller was making his UFC debut and had not been introduced by Buffer previously. Fugitt, on the other hand, was entering the Octagon for his sixth fight, making it surprising that Buffer would falter in his introduction.
In the fight, Miller quickly demonstrated his prowess by overpowering Fugitt in the first round. After landing a series of decisive strikes, including a powerful short right hand that knocked Fugitt down, Miller’s relentless assault prompted the referee, Chris Tognoni, to step in just seconds before the round concluded.
After the bout, Miller revealed to reporters that Buffer reached out with an apology to his team. Reflecting on the introduction mistake, Miller noted he considered calling out the error during the announcement but opted to stay focused on the fight instead. He expressed goodwill towards Buffer, stating, “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.”
Such moments highlight the unpredictability of live sports, where even the most seasoned professionals can experience mishaps. The enthusiasm and excitement surrounding the new era for UFC remain undeterred, as fighters and fans alike look forward to what’s next in this dynamic and evolving sport.