What does mastery look like to you?
Does the word conjure up images of dominance and power? Is it a sense of control or is it passion that you’re really feeling?
True mastery is hard to grasp. It’s difficult to imagine because it feels like an ideal.
It’s rare but achievable. It’s attainment not ambition. It’s a dream that is possible.
Since we can’t agree on a qualitative definition, a more appropriate question would be: Is mastery quantifiable?
As a math teacher, I try to contextualize things using numbers.
Can we put a price tag on mastery?
Yes, $10-$15 million worth apparently, according to various sources on the internet.
Bruce Buffer is a man whom I shared the octagon with for nearly a decade in the UFC. “The Veteran Voice of the UFC” does not disappoint.
Our boss, UFC President Dana White had this to say in an ESPN profile about Bruce, “His style, his presentation, his delivery, everything that Bruce Buffer does – he’s become an absolute master, and he’s the absolute best in the world right now.”
It’s a ringing endorsement from one of the greatest executives in the combat sports industry.
Bruce’s signature 180-degree swivel and perhaps his delivery of the single most iconic line in our sport today “IIIIIIIT’S… TIIIIIIIME!” has made him a cultural legend.
The Hundred Thousand Dollar Man
Twenty years ago, one might scoff at the notion that anyone could get far being a ring announcer.
In 1996, Bruce earned $750 announcing a fight night.
Today, Bruce reportedly makes between $50,000 – $100,000 per event with the UFC.
Becoming a master definitely has its rewards.
Bruce parlayed the distinctive pronunciation of two words into a net worth of over $10 million today.
It screams talent just watching him in the octagon. But just because Bruce’s work is an art form shouldn’t take away from his sacrifice and hard work.
Technique not Talent
I’m pretty sure most experts today in any field will tell you that talent matters but not as much as we think.
Also, it takes a long time to become a master.
How did Bruce last 20 years in an octagon – the same place that has routinely chewed and spit out fighters since the UFC’s inception in 1993?
According to Dana White, Bruce was willing to iterate, change and adapt to the demands of his employers.
He cut his intros down. He listened, he waited and the audience reacted. Twenty years later, Bruce has perfected the art like no one before him.
Becoming Multi-dimensional
It’s surreal how Bruce and I both built our careers inside an eight-sided ring.
Yet today, we’ve both branched out into other businesses and ventures. Bruce Buffer will forever be associated with the UFC but real mastery is more about ‘becoming’ and less about ‘to be.’
Did you know that Bruce has announced for other promotions like K-1 kickboxing and World Series of Beer Pong? The man is also a professional poker player. He has acting credits to his name and his likeness is licensed and used in video games, music videos and even football games.
Bruce continually hones his technique and grows his influence. It’s a smart business move.
Just like the octagon, mixed martial arts is about becoming multi-faceted. I did not shy away from learning and trying to incorporate other martial arts styles into my fight repertoire.
I saw beyond my abilities as a fighter – a company spokesman, an ambassador and a pitchman. I literally fought my way into the good graces of important industry executives.
Though not quite like Buffer, I can still count a single acting credit to my name. And today, I can add Vice President, travel show host and podcast host to it.
Purposeful not purpose
Mastery is a choice to a life that is purposeful.
The journey matters more than the destination and the choices we make in our travel matter the most.
In ‘The Book of Five Rings’, undefeated master swordsman Miyamoto Musashi was described as the pursuit of an ideal.
His task had less to do with being a master. Instead, Musashi was purposefully dedicated to his craft and his unparalleled swordplay were the fruits of his labor.
Bruce Buffer lets his voice do the talking. He goes to each show and kills it every single time. He’s committed to advancing his craft to whoever and whatever calls for it. It’s purposeful and inspiring.
It doesn’t matter craft or chosen profession. Just ask yourself, ‘Am I on the path to mastery?’
If not, you really should be, because “IIIIIIIT’S… TIIIIIIIME!”