2009 has been a huge year for the UFC and indeed yourself – we’ve seen UFC 100, the Buffer 360, Kimbo Slice on TUF for example; what have been your particular highlights?

Every night I walk out in the Octagon is a personal highlight for me… with that being said, UFC 100 and the physical completion of the “Buffer 360″ was a definite highlight of the year for me. I thank Joe Rogan for documenting this for life with the cool video he made and edited for the internet as I will be able to see this forever into my old age… LOL.

Being ringside you get as good an insight into fights as anyone – what would you say have been your fights of the year?

There were many great fights and fighters to watch that I usually forget more than I remember but a few to mention would be:

• Couture vs. Nogueira
• Florian vs. Guida
• Josh Koscheck vs. Anthony Johnson
• Michael Bisping vs. Dennis Kang
• Scott Smith vs. Cung Lee

You’re obviously as much of a fighter favourite as you are a fan favourite. I’ve noticed you talking to some fighters in the Octagon pre-fight – what is the funniest thing you’ve heard in this instance?

Thank you… Usually they are so focused before the fight that I try not to disrupt their train of thought but I assure you that Forrest Griffin has voiced a few funny lines here and there as he is always naturally funny.

There have been a few controversial decisions this year; did you at any time almost announce the name of who you thought had won as opposed to who was on the card?

No I am sure not to make that mistake as I have to step out of the “personal” circle and stay focused on the job at hand… it’s all up to the judges but don’t kill the messenger.

We also saw the fall of the Affliction fight promotion this past year. Matt Hughes has recently come out stating he doesn’t see the Strikeforce promotion lasting too long either. What do you think?

Strike Force has stepped up to the plate and I think will survive but they will forever be a second MMA banana to the UFC. I wish them and everyone success but it all depends on their business model. Poor management means eventual failure and everyone should stop trying to be the UFC right out of the gate as they are not and never will be. The UFC is the MMA brand most recognized and the most successful and I never see that changing under the consistent quality management of the UFC by Dana White and the Fertitta brothers. The UFC is the tissue to the Kleenex when it comes to the sport of the UFC to most; the UFC is MMA in their minds. The UFC is a textbook model of what brand recognition and solid management is all about.

You’re not one to miss out on the after-fight parties and I have to say I’ve been on your Bufferzone website learning how to be a better wingman on a night out from your video clip! What was your favourite after show story from 2009?

LOL, you watched that video, cool, I hope it helps in your pursuits. I have been to so many after parties that they become routine after awhile and it is all about who I am with and the fun we are having. I have made many great friends in MMA over the years and am always happy to celebrate with them and all the great UFC fans in attendance. Night clubs are night clubs and some stand out and many don’t, so for me it is all about the laughs and enjoyment of the people I am out with on any given night. I remember partying with Gerard Butler from 300 after the Philadelphia UFC and he was one funny man who definitely had females on his mind at the time, which I can relate to… he is a good wing man also.

Looking forward to 2010, the organization is branching out even more – which of the new markets are you looking forward to travelling to the most?

Very much looking forward to Australia and if we enter the arena of Madison Square Garden in 2010, then that night will be absolutely historic for me personally… it means we have made it more than ever as this will be the last step to mainstream acceptance here in the USA in my opinion.

In a similar vein there’s also a lot of big fights already scheduled for 2010 – what stands out for you?

So far I would say Silva vs. Belfort and Hardy vs. Pierre.

You’re now as famous a face as the fighters of the UFC themselves, and your charisma brings you as many fans. I remember you played a ring announcer in Friends some years back – do you get any acting roles offered to you (I still say you would’ve made a good Hannibal in Rampage’s A-Team movie) or similarly, will you be branching out into any other media in 2010?

Thanks again for that comment… I have appeared in a number of films and TV shows since then and I would have had a blast playing Hannibal, but be assured I would not have missed a UFC show while filming… I have new management and plan to be appearing on TV in non-fight announcing roles but have to keep silent about this for now as I don’t want to jinx any future plans.

New Year comes with New Year’s resolutions – what will yours be?

I plan to get into the best physical and mental shape I can achieve plus be the best I can be to all my loved ones plus also my business associates while pursuing and achieving the most successful year I have ever had business wise from all my endeavours in and out of the Octagon. I’m really looking forward to a great 2010!

Finally, you’ve recently signed on with Silver Star clothing to be their new “Ambassador”. When do we get to see the Bruce Buffer signature series t-shirt!?

I am very excited about my Silver Star Ambassador relationship and Luke, the owner of Silver Star, and I will be sitting down to design the 1st signature item in January so expect it very soon.

Thank you for the interview Darren and I wish you the best for success, health and happiness in 2010!