Bruce Buffer’s Ultimate Seal of Approval: Why Only Three Fighters Earned ‘The One’ Status

In the heart of the UFC Octagon, where warriors carve their legacies with blood, sweat, and unshakable will, there is one voice that elevates the moment to something greater than a fight—it transforms it into an event. That voice belongs to Bruce Buffer, the legendary announcer who has spent decades roaring the names of MMA’s greatest gladiators.

But while Buffer has called thousands of fighters into battle, only three men have ever earned a title beyond their championship belts. Only three have been called “The One”—a distinction so rare, so exclusive, that it begs the question: What makes these fighters different from the rest?

The chosen few? Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Alex Pereira.

What is it about these men that captured Buffer’s admiration? Why do they stand apart from all others? And more intriguingly—could another fighter ever join their ranks?

The Power of ‘The One’—What Does It Really Mean?

Bruce Buffer isn’t just any announcer. He is the Voice of the Octagon, the man who has seen countless legends rise and fall. When he says someone is “The One,” it carries weight. It isn’t just about winning titles or headlining pay-per-views.

It’s about aura. It’s about presence. It’s about being more than just a fighter—being a force of nature.

To be “The One” in Bruce Buffer’s eyes, a fighter must be more than elite. They must possess:
✔ A magnetic presence that electrifies arenas before the fight even begins.
✔ A legacy that transcends the sport, making them household names worldwide.
✔ The ability to deliver performances that feel like something out of a legend, not just a fight.

Only three men have ever fit that description. And each of them has carved their name into UFC history in a way that can never be erased.

Conor McGregor: The Showman Who Became a King

If there is one fighter who embodies electricity, it’s Conor McGregor. From the moment he stepped into the UFC, he didn’t just fight—he took over.

With his sharp Irish wit, razor-sharp left hand, and an aura of absolute confidence, McGregor turned every fight into an event. Fans didn’t just watch him—they lived through him. His every move, every press conference, every knockout became the stuff of legend.

• UFC’s First Double Champion: When McGregor defeated Eddie Alvarez at UFC 205, he didn’t just win a second belt—he made history as the first-ever simultaneous two-division champion.
• A Trash-Talking Icon: Whether it was predicting knockouts down to the exact round or completely dismantling his opponents before they even stepped into the Octagon, McGregor’s mind games were just as lethal as his strikes.
• The $100 Million Man: His crossover fight with Floyd Mayweather wasn’t just a massive payday—it proved that McGregor’s stardom wasn’t confined to MMA. He had become a global icon.

McGregor is more than a fighter. He is a phenomenon, an entity that transcended the sport. It’s no wonder Bruce Buffer put him in a class of his own.

But if McGregor is the ultimate showman, the next man on the list is the ultimate fighter.

Jon Jones: The Unstoppable Force of MMA

If McGregor is the king of charisma, Jon Jones is the king of dominance. There has never been a fighter quite like him—a man who has never truly been beaten inside the Octagon.

From the moment he became the youngest champion in UFC history, Jones showcased a level of skill and fight IQ that was simply on another level.

• Undefeated in the Octagon: Despite a controversial disqualification early in his career, no fighter has ever truly conquered Jon Jones. Every elite opponent he has faced—from Daniel Cormier to Alexander Gustafsson—has fallen.
• A Complete Martial Artist: His ability to adapt and dismantle opponents is legendary. Whether it’s striking, wrestling, or submissions, there is no weakness in his game.
• The Move to Heavyweight: After dominating light heavyweight for years, Jones made the bold move to heavyweight, where he quickly claimed the title by defeating Ciryl Gane. His reign isn’t over yet, and his legend only continues to grow.

Jones isn’t just a champion—he is a generational talent, a fighter so good that even Bruce Buffer had to acknowledge that he isn’t just great. He is “The One.”

But while McGregor is the showman, and Jones is the pure talent, the final man on this list is something entirely different—a warrior straight out of history.

Alex Pereira: The Last Warrior Standing

The final man to receive Bruce Buffer’s ultimate praise isn’t just a fighter. Alex Pereira feels like something out of an ancient legend—a warrior who stepped out of a different era and into the Octagon.

His presence alone sends chills down the spine of both fans and opponents. Unlike McGregor or Jones, Pereira doesn’t need words. His stone-cold demeanor, ferocious knockout power, and relentless pursuit of victory do all the talking.

• A Two-Sport Destroyer: Pereira wasn’t just a UFC star—he was already a kickboxing world champion before transitioning to MMA.
• A Rivalry for the Ages: His battles with Israel Adesanya became instant classics, with Pereira shocking the world by knocking out one of the UFC’s greatest strikers to claim the middleweight title.
• A Power Unlike Any Other: When Pereira lands a punch, it’s not just a strike—it’s a finishing blow. His left hook has become the stuff of nightmares for anyone standing across from him.

Pereira represents something primal—the embodiment of fighting spirit. Where McGregor brings the entertainment and Jones brings the technique, Pereira brings raw, unfiltered power.

Bruce Buffer sees something in him that he has only seen twice before. A presence that changes the sport itself.

Will Anyone Else Ever Be ‘The One’?

Only three fighters have ever earned this title. Conor McGregor, Jon Jones, and Alex Pereira. But could there be a fourth?

The UFC has no shortage of elite talent. Stars like Islam Makhachev, Khamzat Chimaev, or even rising phenoms like Ilia Topuria and Shavkat Rakhmonov have shown the potential for greatness.

But being great isn’t enough. To be “The One,” you must transcend the sport. You must capture the imagination of fans. You must make people feel like they are watching something truly special.

And as of now, only three have done that.

A Legacy Sealed in the Octagon

Bruce Buffer has seen it all. He has stood in the center of the cage and watched legends rise and fall. His words carry weight, and when he anoints a fighter as “The One,” it isn’t just a compliment—it’s a confirmation of greatness.

• Conor McGregor—the king of spectacle.
• Jon Jones—the ultimate fighting machine.
• Alex Pereira—the last warrior.

They aren’t just champions. They are forces of nature. And until another fighter rises to match their presence, they will remain the only three to receive Bruce Buffer’s ultimate praise.

Could a new challenger emerge? Or will this remain an exclusive, untouchable club?

Only time—and the Octagon—will tell.