2024 was a monumental year for Alex Pereira, who successfully defended his UFC light heavyweight title three times. Yet, fans were taken by surprise when legendary ring announcer Bruce Buffer bestowed upon ‘Poatan’ a rare honor—introducing him as ‘The One and Only,’ a title previously reserved for just two UFC icons: Conor McGregor and Jon Jones. However, the celebration was short-lived.

Pereira suffered a shocking loss to Magomed Ankalaev at UFC 313 in March, dulling the significance of the achievement. But the 38-year-old Brazilian wasn’t finished. He faced Ankalaev in a rematch earlier this month. This time, though, Buffer omitted ‘The One and Only’ introduction, a decision that left fans puzzled and disappointed—especially since Alex Pereira went on to dominate the fight. Now, Buffer has finally offered an explanation for the sudden change.

Bruce Buffer wants to fix his mistake with Alex Pereira

The 68-year-old addressed the situation on his podcast less than a week ago. “I want to make something clear,” he said. “It came out on social media, and people were wondering why I did not say, ‘One and only’ for the great Alex Pereira.” Buffer explained that he originally used the phrase for Pereira, but the Brazilian ended up losing the first fight. Now that the UFC light heavyweight champion has reclaimed his title, though, Buffer suggested things will change.

“But now he’s regained the championship belt. And he’s proven that he’s just one of the kind fighters that he is. So, watch how I introduce him next time,” Buffer said. He clarified that omitting the phrase wasn’t meant as a slight against Pereira. “It’s like not that he doesn’t deserve it, it’s a matter of what’s right for the moment,” he added.

Still, one can’t help but question the consistency—after all, Conor McGregor has lost fights and still retains his “One and Only” title. Buffer addressed that, too. “Conor McGregor, he gets ‘The one and only’ because he truly is a one and only. Jon Jones gets ‘The one and only’ because he’s undefeated and truly the GOAT, or one of the GOATs,” he explained during the podcast.

“And Pereira now, if he’s going to fight, for the light heavyweight championship again… So, we’ll see what his next fight is,” Buffer concluded. While he looks forward to setting things right with Pereira’s next introduction, the 68-year-old hinted that he’s excited for another special moment on the horizon.

Buffer can’t wait to work on the UFC White House card

The Tulsa, Oklahoma native can’t wait to lend his iconic voice to what’s being called UFC’s most historic event—the promotion’s event at the White House next year. “It’s an honor to appear at the White House and on the White House grounds,” Buffer told Fox News. “Keeping the whole event non-political and the sporting event that it is, it’ll be probably the highest-watched pay-per-view in the history of pay-per-views. … It’s gonna be incredible.”

The event, set to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary, is expected to take place on June 14, 2026—President Donald Trump’s 80th birthday. UFC CEO Dana White has already promised the “baddest card of all time,” and Buffer is just as excited to see who makes the lineup. “Every fighter on the roster wants to fight at that event,” he said. “It’s gonna be an awesome night, there’s no question.”

Having said that, if Alex Pereira ends up fighting on the UFC White House card, Bruce Buffer will have the best opportunity to mend his mistake. Do you think ‘Poatan’ will be part of the card?