Bruce Buffer cautious during coronavirus pandemic but willing to work UFC 249

Veteran UFC announcer Bruce Buffer wants everyone to take the coronavirus pandemic seriously. He also wants to get back to work – but only under the right circumstances.

As of Thursday, the number of documented COVID-19 cases eclipsed the 1 million mark globally as the death toll approached 52,000. In the U.S., at least 236,000 cases exist, and there have been more than 5,600 deaths, resulting in 90% of the country under stay-at-home orders. The impact of the crisis has been felt beyond just health-related numbers, as a record 6.6 million Americans filed unemployment claims in the past week.

Buffer, who resides in Southern California, has spent this lockdown period making sure things are good with his mother and siblings who live within a mile of him. He’s played the role of “Amazon delivery guy,” as he puts it, rounding up food and supplies for all and getting them to his loved ones.

He hopes people are fully grasping the seriousness of the crisis.

“People out there have to understand, as we all know, it’s one thing to take care of ourselves, but we’re taking care of ourselves for others,” Buffer, who’s bracing for the worst to come for California, told MMA Junkie Radio. “It’s something we have to understand. The millennials and the younger people, they’re not getting it or getting it or not getting it, and hopefully they do get it. We gotta do what we gotta do. Everything we hear we have to do (it). If you’re not taking this seriously, then I don’t know what life you would take seriously. Let’s put it that way.”

Ever since the coronavirus outbreak hit the U.S. in a big way early last month, UFC president Dana White has taken a defiant, show-must-go-on attitude as he’s tried to move forward with the promotion’s schedule. It wasn’t until individual states began issuing bans on public gatherings that the UFC, even as most of the sports world had already shut down, decided it would host events at its Apex facility in Las Vegas. Then the Nevada Athletic Commission suspended all combat sports events, forcing the UFC’s hand in postponing three events through April 11.

But UFC 249, still scheduled for just over two weeks on April 18, has remained on the table, even without a location. It would go on without fans in attendance, but White has been tight-lipped about a potential location. The card took the biggest blow Wednesday when lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov confirmed he is out of his fight with Tony Ferguson because of Russia’s travel ban.

Veteran cageside commentator Joe Rogan has said he would not partake in calling the action at UFC 249 because of coronavirus concerns. As for Buffer, he would be willing to assume his regular position.

“I stand on the basis that, if there’s an event announced – based on the location, the safety factor of everybody involved, how we’re being tested, whatever, all the obvious – if there is such a word anymore, a completely safe thing to do, then let’s do it. Right?” Buffer said. “Obviously there would not be an audience; we know that.”

What Buffer doesn’t know, he admits, is what’s even happening behind the scenes.

“Guys, I have no idea about anything. I’m a media mercenary,” he said. “I always joke around and say my lifestyle is kind of like James Bond. I don’t have to kill anybody, but I get the call, and I gotta put the tuxedo in the bag. … All kidding aside, I don’t know, guys. I mean, I could get the call five days before it happens, and then I make that decision. But am I willing to? Of course.

“You know me. I’ve done shows with one leg; I’ve done three shows in a row, blown-out back. You guys know that I will never ever not go in that octagon. But we have a bigger picture to consider. And the powers that be, I know Dana. I’m sure every day’s gotta be a new day for Dana with all that he’s gotta deal with. He’s trying to provide the entertainment.”

To watch MMA Junkie Radio’s full interview with Buffer, check out the video below.