Bruce Buffer announced Vitor Petrino as the victor rather than Anthony Smith at UFC 301 (via King and Bay/ X)

Bruce Buffer is one of the most popular announcers in the entire world. His trademark style and iconic voice make every event exciting and memorable.

But even the most iconic voices in combat sports occasionally hit the wrong note. Case in point – Bruce Buffer’s baffling blunder at UFC 301.

ADVERTISEMENTThe legendary Octagon announcer made a highly uncharacteristic flub while declaring the winner. Despite Anthony Smith clearly submitting Vitor Petrino.

Buffer initially announced the vanquished Brazilian as “still undefeated.”  The hilarious gaffe left both fighters and fans equally dumbfounded.

Smith reacted with an incredulous grin. Daniel Cormier who was also in the Octagon was equally confused.

Smith defeated Vitor Petrino in Round 1 with a guillotine choke. This was the second guillotine choke of the main card. Petrino was having some success with his striking.

However, he shot for a takedown attempt that allowed Smith to wrap his arm around Petrino’s neck. The fight went to the ground and Petrino tapped. This was at the two-minute mark of the very first round.

Buffer quickly regained his customary poise after the awkward misstep. With the telltale charisma that made him a legend, he decisively awarded Smith the victory using his trademark bravado.

The hilarious blooper will live on as Buffer’s rarest of mistakes. However, one false note doesn’t diminish decades of flawless vocal mastery.

Fight fans reacted to Bruce Buffer’s rare mistake

The legendary Octagon announcer Bruce Buffer is a must-have for UFC events. His pre-fight introductions and post-fight declarations are as essential as the bouts themselves. That’s why viewers were utterly shocked when Buffer made a highly uncharacteristic mistake at UFC 301.
Fight fans reacted to Bruce Buffer’s slip-up (via Sports Illustrated)
Reactions poured in thick and fast from astonished fans struggling to make sense of it all. Some fight fans believed that Buffer had zoned out and was mentally elsewhere.

Others felt that this was just a slip of the tongue and an honest mistake. A few other fans believed that Buffer was not paying attention to the card. Here are some of the reactions from fight fans:

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This mistake was nothing to be concerned about. The awkward misstep accentuated Buffer’s ability to roll with any punch. If anything, fans walked away appreciating Buffer’s enduring excellence. Even the greatest announcer of all time makes the rare mistake – he just handles it with unmatched style and grace.

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