When the proclamation “It’s Time!” echoes across the arena during any UFC PPV event, the fans can be sure that an enthralling spectacle is about to unfold. Referred to as the ‘Veteran Voice of the Octagon’, Bruce Buffer is just as beloved by UFC fans as the fighters themselves. He has leveraged this popularity to establish an unmistakable brand.
Bruce was recently invited to announce the drivers for the F1 Las Vegas GP pre-race driver ceremony. Fans lauded this step, as Buffer knows how to do his job when it comes to creating intensity before a sporting event. However, a funny moment happened when Sergio Perez was introduced by Bruce.
As Buffer announced his name on the grid, rather than heading directly to his car, Sergio Perez positioned himself in front of the announcer, seemingly anticipating an interview. Perez appeared visibly uncertain about his next steps.
dude had no idea what to do. put his hands in his pockets smh get Bruce back to the octagon
pic.twitter.com/ffdCzL9XOb— Conner Burks (@connerburks) November 19, 2023
The outcome was Buffer energetically shouting Perez’s name directly at the Mexican racer, who stood there with a nervous smile. Subsequently, the host smiled, stepped back, and awaited the introduction of the next driver, leaving Perez standing and glancing around, searching for a cue on how to proceed.
A fan felt weirded out by the clip, as they wrote, “This is the most awkward Bruce moment I’ve ever seen“. Another fan shared similar thoughts as they wrote, “Bro fumbled the Bruce buffer introduction so hard. How do you manage to look awkward getting introduced by BRUCE”. Another fan pointed out Perez’s cluelessness as they commented, “Dude had no idea what to do”.
Upon Buffer shifting his attention to introduce Sergio Perez’s teammate, Max Verstappen, Perez eventually grasped the cue and made his exit. Naturally, fans promptly seized on the moment, eager to share their opinions on the incident.
F1 drivers get a UFC-like introduction in Las Vegas
After four decades, Formula 1 is making a notable mark by hosting three races in the United States within the same calendar year. Miami kicked off the series in May, followed by the US Grand Prix in Austin in October 2023. The latest addition to the lineup is the inaugural running of the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
During the Miami event, a driver ceremony was experimented with before the race, drawing mixed feedback from fans. This feature was absent in Texas, but it made a comeback before the race in the Las Vegas Grand Prix.
An EPIC drivers parade to kick off our race day! 🤩#LasVegasGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/pThVbA7O1Y
— Formula 1 (@F1) November 19, 2023
The organizers enlisted the services of legendary UFC announcer Bruce Buffer to stand on the grid and individually introduce the drivers. Subsequently, the drivers entered classic cars parked behind Buffer, allowing them to embark on a lap of the circuit to greet the crowd a customary practice before any Formula 1 race.
However, the Bruce-Perez moment definitely stole the show when it came to the introduction ceremony.
