Dana White lights up UFC production staff for misidentifying boxing star Shakur Stevenson as an NBA player
UFC's Dana White Unloads on Production Crew After Shakur Stevenson Identity Mix-Up
Dana White lights up UFC production - UFC President Dana White had every expectation that boxing sensation Shakur Stevenson would receive a grand reception at UFC 329. Unfortunately, the organization stumbled in a rather embarrassing manner by introducing the boxing champion as a basketball player. This unfortunate error triggered one of White's most notable post-fight tirades in recent years.
"So, I tell you all the time, my production team is amazing. We just did the White House ... and it was the greatest f---ing thing in the world to be there live and to watch it on TV," White explained to gathered reporters. The president then highlighted the irony of the situation. "I just paid Shakur Stevenson a s--- load of money, and for some reason, we can't figure this celebrity thing out."
The Mistake That Set White Off
The incident occurred during Conor McGregor's highly anticipated return to the Octagon. The Las Vegas arena was filled with celebrities and A-list attendees, creating the perfect backdrop for a broadcast error. As the camera performed its routine sweep of cageside VIPs, it captured undefeated, four-division boxing champion Shakur Stevenson. However, the on-screen graphic identified him incorrectly as Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder.
"They put him up as a f---ing OKC NBA player. Are you f---ing kidding me? It's absolutely crazy," White continued his critique. "We are the absolute worst to ever do the celebrity thing. When we put celebrities up, we are the worst."
Under typical circumstances, such a mistake might pass without much attention. However, for White, this represented a costly embarrassment. The UFC president had invested heavily to bring Stevenson to Zuffa Boxing, and UFC 329 was meant to honor the new signing. Instead, the television broadcast transformed the boxing star into a member of the Thunder.
White's Backstage Confrontation
White later disclosed that he engaged in a heated argument with his production crew backstage. The team attempted to justify the error by pointing out that soccer broadcasts are worse since they don't utilize graphics at all. White wasn't convinced by this defense.
"Oh no," White fired back. "We put up f---ing graphics and put the wrong guy's name on them. We win. We're the worst ever to do it."
While White was prepared to hand out pink slips to the responsible parties, the athletes involved handled the situation with good humor. Stevenson took to social media, posting a lighthearted tweet that read, "Yea Dana #FireTheyA--."
The real Jalen Williams also learned about his unexpected appearance at UFC 329. The basketball player shared a screenshot of the broadcast on his Instagram Stories with the caption, "Ehhh close enough."
A History of Celebrity Graphic Errors
This wasn't the first time the UFC has experienced a celebrity identification problem. Fans may recall the incident at UFC 306, when the production crew famously labeled world champion boxer Terence Crawford as "Kendrick Lamar." That error generated similar amusement and attention from fans and media alike.
The UFC certainly puts on some of the greatest live spectacles in combat sports. However, until the organization hires a dedicated pop culture fact-checker for its production truck, no celebrity sitting cageside is guaranteed to avoid a sudden identity change on television.
Meanwhile, Sophie Cunningham made a surprise appearance as a UFC 329 ring girl, adding another memorable moment to an event already filled with unexpected developments. White's rant about the production team's celebrity management capabilities has become one of the most talked-about moments following the event.
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