Bruce Buffer debuted as UFC announcer 27 years ago today (Feb 16) - What happened in the event?

Bruce Buffer is probably one of the most recognizable faces of the UFC today, having made his debut 27 years ago today (February 16, 1996). The veteran voice of the octagon appeared for the first time at UFC 8 where he announced the prelims card.

The UFC 8 card, which went down in Puerto Rico, saw a record attendance of 13,000 that was broken by UFC 40 six years later.

Titled David vs. Goliath, the event pitted smaller fighters against bigger fighters in an eight-man tournament. UFC 8 also featured a championship Superfight between reigning champion Ken Shamrock and Kimo Leopoldo.

Don Frye scored the then-fastest KO over Gary Goodridge in the main-event of the tournament, a record which was broken 10 years later by Duane Ludwig. Meanwhile, Shamrock defended his title with a first-round submission win.

Bruce Buffer soon went on to announce his full card for the first time at UFC 10. Following UFC 13, Buffer was the sole announcer for every UFC event until Joe Martinez's debut in 2012. While the 'Veteran voice of the octagon' continues to take the helm for PPVs, Martinez often announces fight nights.

The 65-year-old wrote on Instagram on the anniversary of his debut:

"I sincerely wish to thank @DanaWhite & all at the UFC plus all the amazing UFC fans around the world for all your support & kind words of praise & last but not least all of the amazing Octagon Warriors I’ve announced & become friends with over the years as it has truly been an honor for me to roar your names in the Octagon"

The incredible story of Bruce Buffer and his brother Michael

Legendary boxing announcer Michael Buffer was already on the path to greatness before his he came to know of the existence of his brother Bruce. While the future UFC ring announcer had been watching his sibling on TV, he had no inkling of the relationship between them.

The similarities in their surnames first aroused Bruce Buffer's interest. Buffer did the necessary digging only to find out that Michael was indeed his half-brother. Bruce's father, while serving in the second world war seemingly had a child from a marriage that didn't last long.

Michael Buffer was brought up by foster parents under the name of Huber, but was stuck with his original surname while enlisting for the Vietnam War. They were finally introduced in 1989 and within a few years Bruce became Michael's manager.

Bruce Buffer went on to carve his own niche in his own sport and even coined his own phrase, "It's time," at par with Michael's "Let's get ready to rumble."