UFC CEO Dana White usually has plenty to say after a big event, but at UFC 329 in Las Vegas on Saturday night, his anger wasn't directed at a fighter or a referee. Instead, the longtime promoter let loose on his own broadcast team after a glaring error that left him fuming.
The mistake? The UFC production crew mistakenly labeled boxing star Shakur Stevenson — a multiple-weight-class champion and one of the sport's brightest young talents — as Oklahoma City Thunder forward Jalen Williams. The graphic flashed on screen for the live audience and those watching at home, and it didn't take long for social media to light up with mockery.
White, never one to hold back, didn't try to spin the blunder. He went straight for the jugular in his post-fight comments, making it clear that this wasn't just a minor slip-up — it was a catastrophic failure in his eyes.
'Absolutely Crazy'
“I just paid Shakur Stevenson a (expletive) of money, and for some reason we can’t figure this celebrity (expletive) out,” White fumed. “They put him up as a (expletive) OKC NBA player. Are you (expletive) kidding me? I mean, it’s just absolutely crazy.”
White didn't stop there. He went on to declare the UFC's track record with celebrity graphics as the worst in all of sports, comparing it unfavorably to other leagues and even claiming victory in a bizarre competition of incompetence.
“We are the absolute worst to ever do the celebrity thing. When we put celebrities up, we are the worst,” White said. “I just had this (expletive) debate in the back with my guys while I was screaming at everybody back there and they said, ‘No, soccer’s worse. Soccer shows the people and they don’t put up any graphics.’ Oh no. We put up (expletive) graphics and put the wrong guy’s name on it! We win. We’re the worst EVER to (expletive) do it.”
While there is a passing resemblance between Stevenson and Williams — both are young, athletic African American men with similar builds — the comparison is a stretch for anyone who follows combat sports. Stevenson is a two-division world champion known for his slick defense and precise punching, while Williams is a rising NBA star averaging over 19 points per game for the Thunder. The mix-up left fans scratching their heads and White seeing red.
A Pattern of Gaffes?
This isn't the first time a major sports broadcast has fumbled a celebrity identification. Earlier this year, Wimbledon faced backlash for focusing on influencers over tennis action, and MLB fans were furious over a controversial All-Star selection. But White's explosive reaction suggests the UFC's internal standards for production quality are — at least in his mind — far from acceptable.
Despite the gaffe, UFC 329 itself delivered a night of thrilling fights, with several finishes and standout performances. But for White, the broadcast error left a sour taste that no amount of in-cage action could wash away. As he made clear, getting the details right — especially when it comes to honoring elite athletes like Stevenson — is non-negotiable.
Whether the production team will face consequences remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: White's message was loud and clear. The UFC boss expects perfection, and when he doesn't get it, he's not afraid to say so — in the most colorful language possible.
