Career Timeline of Michael Buffer: Major Achievements and Milestones

Discover the career path of Michael Buffer, from the first major opportunity to industry-changing achievements.

Michael Buffer is a renowned American ring announcer, primarily known for boxing, professional wrestling, and NFL events. He is famous for his unique announcing style, characterized by distinct inflections and letter rolls in fighters' names. Buffer's signature catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!", is trademarked and has become synonymous with high-energy sporting events. His contribution to sports entertainment was recognized with his induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame in 2019.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements

1982: Ring Announcer Career Begins

In 1982, Michael Buffer started his career as a ring announcer.

1983: Announcing for Top Rank on ESPN

In 1983, Michael Buffer began announcing all boxing matches promoted by Bob Arum's Top Rank on ESPN, gaining national recognition.

1984: Development of "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!" catchphrase

In 1984, Michael Buffer developed his famous catchphrase, "Let's get ready to rumble!", which gained significant popularity.

1984: Begin Use of "Let's get ready to rumble!"

Michael Buffer began using the phrase "Let's get ready to rumble!" in 1984, establishing his trademark catchphrase.

1991: Deal with HBO

In 1991, Michael Buffer signed a deal with HBO and became a permanent ring announcer on World Championship Boxing. He would occasionally fill in for Jimmy Lennon Jr. on Showtime.

1992: Trademark Acquisition

In 1992, Michael Buffer acquired a federal trademark for his catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!"

1995: Announcing early UFC fights

In 1995, Michael Buffer began announcing early UFC fights, starting with UFC 6.

1997: Hercules Film Reference

In the 1997 film Hercules, the character Hades uses Michael Buffer's catchphrase "Let's get ready to rumble!" during Hercules' fight with Hydra.

Loading Video...

1999: Guest Announcer at Indianapolis 500

In 1999, Michael Buffer was a guest announcer at the Indianapolis 500.

2001: WCW Folding and Return to UFC

In 2001, World Championship Wrestling (WCW) folded, which allowed Michael Buffer to announce for other wrestling organizations like UFC, after his exclusivity contract ended with Time Warner.

2004: "Let's Get Ready to Rumble!" Soundbite in Scooby-Doo 2

In 2004, Michael Buffer's "Let's get ready to rumble!" soundbite was used briefly in the film Scooby-Doo 2: Monsters Unleashed.

Loading Video...

December 10, 2007: Appearance on Deal or No Deal

On December 10, 2007, Michael Buffer appeared on NBC's Deal or No Deal.

Loading Video...

July 19, 2008: Announcing Affliction: Banned

On July 19, 2008, Michael Buffer announced the Affliction: Banned mixed martial arts show.

November 10, 2008: Announcing the 2008 World Series of Poker final table

On November 10, 2008, Michael Buffer started the heads-up action between Peter Eastgate and Ivan Demidov at the 2008 World Series of Poker final table with a modified version of his catchphrase.

2008: Appearance in You Don't Mess with the Zohan

In 2008, Michael Buffer appeared as Walbridge, the main villain in the comedy You Don't Mess with the Zohan.

Loading Video...

2008: Return to Pro-Wrestling Ring Announcing

In 2008, Michael Buffer returned to pro-wrestling ring announcing duties at Madison Square Garden, announcing a boxing match between Evander Holyfield and Matt Hardy on Saturday Night's Main Event XXXV. He also appeared in the Royal Rumble 2008 advertisement and was the guest ring announcer during the Royal Rumble match.

2009: $400 Million in Revenue

By 2009, Michael Buffer's catchphrase had generated $400 million in revenue from licensing the trademark.

2011: Appearance on Dancing with the Stars

In 2011, Michael Buffer made an appearance on the 12th season of Dancing with the Stars to announce Sugar Ray Leonard week 3 dance.

Loading Video...

2012: Introduction on Josh Turner's Album

In 2012, Michael Buffer recorded the introduction track for country artist Josh Turner's album, Punching Bag.

2013: Progressive Insurance Commercials

In 2013, Michael Buffer appeared in Progressive Insurance commercials, promoting their bundling program with a parody of his famous phrase: "Let's get ready to bundle!".

2017: Guest Announcer at the United States Grand Prix

In 2017, Michael Buffer was a guest announcer at the United States Grand Prix.

2018: Signing with DAZN

In 2018, Michael Buffer signed with DAZN to be the exclusive ring announcer for all of its boxing broadcasts, including deals with Matchroom.

2019: Appearance in Dumbo Remake

In 2019, Michael Buffer appeared in the remake of Dumbo, portraying a ringmaster who delivers the line "Let's get ready for Dumbo!" in his trademark cadence.

Loading Video...

2019: Induction into the International Sports Hall of Fame

In 2019, Michael Buffer was inducted into the International Sports Hall of Fame, recognizing his contributions to sports announcing.

September 12, 2021: Announcing for Sunday Night Football

On September 12, 2021, Michael Buffer announced for NBC's Sunday Night Football matchup between the Los Angeles Rams and the Chicago Bears at SoFi Stadium.

January 17, 2022: Announcing the Rams' first home playoff game

On January 17, 2022, Michael Buffer announced at the Rams' first home playoff game against the Arizona Cardinals.

2022: Introduction of Daddy Yankee's Final Album

In 2022, Michael Buffer introduced Daddy Yankee's final album Legendaddy.

June 28, 2024: Announcing the Flyers' NHL draft pick

On June 28, 2024, Michael Buffer announced his hometown Philadelphia Flyers's 13th overall pick of the first round of the 2024 NHL entry draft at the Sphere in Vegas, introducing Jett Luchanko.

February 2025: Announcing Super League Season Opening Match

In February 2025, Michael Buffer announced the opening match of the Super League season at the Brick Community Stadium between the Wigan Warriors and the Leigh Leopards in England.