TLDR
- Brendan Fitzgerald was forced to leave the commentary booth at UFC Vegas 124 after losing his voice during the broadcast
- John Schriffen replaced Fitzgerald before the main event between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Johnny Walker
- Fitzgerald thanked Dominick Cruz, Michael Bisping, McKenzie Pavacich, and John Schriffen for covering his absence
- Fans praised Fitzgerald for attempting to work through the illness but suggested he should have been replaced earlier
- Fitzgerald confirmed he will return to commentary duties at UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden
Sources: sherdog.com | bloodyelbow.com | boxingnews.com
UFC play-by-play commentator Brendan Fitzgerald was forced to leave the broadcast booth during Saturday’s UFC Vegas 124 event after losing his voice. Fitzgerald started the card at Meta Apex in Las Vegas with a noticeably strained throat that continued to worsen throughout the night.
John Schriffen, who normally commentates for Dana White’s Contender Series, replaced Fitzgerald before the main event between Waldo Cortes-Acosta and Johnny Walker. Schriffen was reportedly sitting behind the commentary team for some time before stepping in to take over.
UFC commentator Brendan Fitzgerald posts statement after being replaced before main event started https://t.co/5JErBpvhM6
— Bloody Elbow (@BloodyElbow) November 8, 2026
Fitzgerald Thanks Broadcast Team
Fitzgerald posted a statement on his Instagram story thanking his colleagues for covering his unexpected exit. “Shout out to our whole crew for all the support,” he wrote. “Drank my weight in tea today!”
He specifically thanked fellow commentators Dominick Cruz and Michael Bisping, along with reporter McKenzie Pavacich, for picking up extra duties. “Great job John Schriffen out of the bullpen,” Fitzgerald added.
Fans on social media questioned whether Fitzgerald would make it through the entire card while the event was still ongoing. Some viewers described his voice as sounding like “my sleep paralysis demon” due to the strain.
Despite the vocal issues, many fans praised Fitzgerald for pushing through as much of the broadcast as possible. “A true professional” one user commented on social media.
Others suggested the UFC should have made the switch earlier in the evening. “I’m surprised they didn’t take him out sooner. He seriously sounded terrible. Hope he’s alright and not sick,” one fan wrote.
Return Scheduled for UFC 334
Fitzgerald also made light of his diminished role during the broadcast by comparing himself to the silent half of magic duo Penn & Teller. This self-deprecating humor showed he maintained good spirits despite the difficult situation.
Cruz and Bisping remained at the commentary desk throughout the entire event. Reporter McKenzie Pavacich took on additional responsibilities to help cover for Fitzgerald’s absence.
Schriffen has been working with the UFC since 2024, primarily calling fights for Dana White’s Contender Series. His availability proved valuable for the promotion when they needed an emergency replacement.
This type of mid-broadcast replacement is rare for UFC events. The promotion does not typically have backup commentators on standby at Fight Night cards.
Fitzgerald confirmed he will be back on commentary duty for UFC 334 on November 14 at Madison Square Garden in New York. “See y’all in NYC… can’t wait,” he concluded in his Instagram message.
