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Bruce Buffer to miss first UFC pay-per-view in over 24 years due to COVID-19

UFC broadcasting legend Bruce Buffer will miss his first pay-per-view event for the company in over 24 years due to COVID-19. UFC president Dana White confirmed Buffer would miss UFC 267 on Saturday after Buffer came down with COVID-19.

White made the announcement Thursday, saying Buffer will be "relaxing and recovering" over the weekend.

Joe Martinez will fill in for Buffer at the event, which will take place in Abu Dhabi.

Bruce Buffer joined UFC in 1996

Buffer has been a constant presence with the company since 1996. He's appeared at every UFC pay-per-view event since joining the company early in its run.

Buffer believes he's been at every UFC event since UFC 13.

Buffer — along with his half brother Michael — is among the most recognizable voices in sports. Buffer's experience extends beyond working with UFC. He's called boxing events, voiced video games and appeared as an announcer on "Monday Night Football."

Bruce Buffer at UFC 264.
Bruce Buffer will miss his first UFC pay-per-view in over 24 years due to COVID-19. (Photo by Louis Grasse/PxImages/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) (Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)