Bruce Buffer has COVID-19, will miss UFC 267 PPV

For the first time since UFC 11 a new voice will be introducing the fighters during a pay-per-view event this weekend at UFC 267.

Bruce Buffer, “The Voice of the Octagon,” will be absent for a numbered UFC event for the first time in 25 years due to contracting COVID-19.

“Buffer got COVID,” UFC president Dana White revealed during the UFC 267 pre-fight press conference on Thursday. “He didn’t want to make this trip. He’s home relaxing and recovering from COVID.”

Joe Martinez, who serves as the ring announcer during events that Buffer does not attend, will take over Buffer’s duties this weekend in Abu Dhabi.

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UFC 267 takes place on Saturday at Etihad Arena in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates and features two title fights. In the main event, light heavyweight champion Jan Blachowicz puts his title on the line against top contender Glover Teixeira. In the co-main event, former bantamweight champion Petr Yan and Cory Sandhagen battle for the interim bantamweight crown.