TLDR
- Bruce Buffer switched Ty Miller and Adam Fugitt’s fight records during UFC 324’s opening introductions
- Joe Rogan appeared visibly confused on commentary as the introduction error occurred
- Megan Olivi’s microphone failed during the same broadcast, part of multiple technical issues
- The mistakes happened during UFC’s first event under its new $7.7 billion Paramount+ deal
- Ty Miller knocked out Adam Fugitt with one second left in round one despite the confusing start
Sources: Bloody Elbow | EssentiallySports | SportBible
UFC announcer Bruce Buffer mixed up fighter introductions during the opening bout of UFC 324, confusing commentator Joe Rogan and viewers watching the promotion’s first event under its new Paramount+ partnership.
Buffer announced Ty Miller with Adam Fugitt’s fight record and vice versa during the event’s first fight. The veteran ring announcer, known for his signature introductions, swapped the details of both fighters as he called them into the octagon.
Joe Rogan expressed visible confusion on commentary as the error unfolded. The mistake came during the UFC’s highly anticipated debut on Paramount+ under a new $7.7 billion broadcast partnership.
Technical Issues Plague Paramount+ Launch
Buffer’s introduction error was not the only technical problem during UFC 324’s opening. Reporter Megan Olivi experienced a non-functional microphone during her broadcast segments.
The technical mishaps drew widespread criticism on social media. Some viewers labeled the Paramount+ debut as “cursed” due to the multiple on-air errors.
The UFC launched its new broadcast partnership with Paramount+ at UFC 324, marking a major shift in how fans access the promotion’s content. The $7.7 billion deal represents one of the largest media rights agreements in combat sports history.
Buzzer-Beater Knockouts Steal the Show
Despite the introduction mix-up, the actual fight action quickly overshadowed Buffer’s mistake. Three first-round knockouts occurred during the early portion of the card.
Ty Miller, one of the fighters involved in Buffer’s error, defeated Adam Fugitt with a knockout. The finish came with just one second remaining in the first round.
Josh Hokit also scored a knockout at the exact same second as Miller’s finish. Both fighters landed their fight-ending strikes at the 4:59 mark of round one.
Buffer has served as the UFC’s official octagon announcer for decades. He is the younger brother of boxing announcer Michael Buffer and became famous for his enthusiastic “It’s time!” catchphrase.
The announcer rarely makes mistakes during fighter introductions. Buffer typically prepares extensively before each event to ensure accurate announcements of fighter records and details.
The UFC has not released an official statement about the introduction error. Buffer has also not publicly commented on the mix-up as of this time.
Miller’s buzzer-beater knockout secured his victory despite the confusing start to the bout. Fugitt was knocked out just before the horn sounded to end the opening round.
