A fight night staffer has been hailed as the ‘UFC Chairman’ after a viral video showcased his unique role in the world’s biggest MMA promotion.
Instagram page fightspotted posted a montage of Miles Lafosse or ‘chair guy’ looking out for UFC commentators such as Joe Rogan, Daniel Cormier, and Jon Anik.
‘There’s a guy whose only job is to make sure commentators don’t miss their chair when sitting back down,’ the page wrote over a highlight reel of Lafosse springing into action when ecstatic fight-callers leave their seats.
The videos show how Lafosse keeps a close eye on the commentator’s chairs when their emotions take over during the broadcast, all while on the clock and enjoying his cage-side view.
It did not take long for fans to joke about his title, giving Lafosse the moniker ‘chairman’ and ‘chair conductor.’
The UFC ‘chair guy’ is going viral on social media for his unique role on fight nights
‘What’s his job title? Chair guy? lol,’ one user wrote.
‘Who makes sure he doesn’t miss his chair?’ another added.
As the video continues to gain traction, Lafosse took to the comment section to explain his role, revealing that he does more than ensure Joe Rogan does not hit the floor during a pay-per-view.
‘This is wild,’ he wrote. ‘Just to give you guys some more insite… I’m the booth audio technician. All microphones around the octagon including commentators mics are set up by me.
‘During the fights I’m there to make sure everything sounds great but also help the commentators feel comfortable with whatever they need,’ Lafosse continued. ‘When a crazy KO happens I get up to help if a chair flys but mainly to help Anik sit back down.
‘He’s the only commentator that has his headset cable ran behind him from his left ear to his right hip. I make sure he doesn’t sit on the slack and rips his headset off. I will say UFC Chairman has a ring to it,’ he finished with a winking emoji.
UFC cage-side reporter Megan Olivi also gave Lafosse his flowers in the comments, writing, ‘This is Miles! He’s a vital part of our incredible audio crew.’
Lafosse is an audio technician who sits behind the commentary team during live events
‘From the headsets, to the stick mics to the executives headphones (and about a million more things) are all under his watch and care during the shows,’ Olivi added.
‘He helps us in a million different ways (none of which he has to do, he’s just that kind of person). He’s one of the best dudes ever, we are all lucky to call him our friend aside from our colleague.’
Another clip from ESPN MMA shows Lafosse in his element when Rogan nearly pushed Anik off his feet.
After Israel Adesanya stiffed his longtime rival Alex Pereira to regain the light heavyweight title at UFC 287 in 2023, the commentary team was overcome with emotion and excitement over the storybook ending.
As Anik left his seat, Rogan extended his arm, screaming, nearly knocking his colleague over.
Routinely, Lafosse came to the rescue, breaking Anik’s fall with another staffer. He then assured Anik’s wire was intact and reset his chair, allowing fans to enjoy more of the colorful voiceover at home.
