Shakur Stevenson was mistaken for an NBA player during UFC 329’s live broadcast on July 12, 2026, triggering Dana White’s furious on-air meltdown. The UFC president called the gaffe ‘unbelievable,’ claiming his production team—despite 25 years of experience—couldn’t distinguish between the undefeated boxer and Jalen Williams of the Oklahoma City Thunder. White’s tirade, delivered on the post-fight podium, revealed deeper frustrations about UFC’s celebrity management.
Why Did the UFC Get Shakur Stevenson Wrong?
The error occurred during the pre-fight build-up, where the broadcast’s lower-third graphics displayed Jalen Williams’ name alongside Stevenson’s face. Jon Anik, the UFC commentator, immediately corrected it, but the damage was done. White later mocked the oversight, saying, *“We just paid Shakur Stevenson a sh*tload of money, and for some reason, we can’t figure this celebrity s–t out.”*
How Bad Was the Fallout for Stevenson?
Stevenson, a rising star in boxing with a 15-0 record, was left exposed to ridicule. UFC’s blunder risked undermining his professional image, especially as he gears up for his next high-profile bout. White’s rant—“*Are you f***ing kidding me?*”—highlighted the incident’s absurdity, but the embarrassment lingers.
What Did Dana White Say Next?
White doubled down, arguing UFC’s graphics team was worse than soccer broadcasters at identifying celebrities. *“We put up f—–g graphics and put the wrong guys’ names on it,”* he sneered. *“We win. We’re the worst.”* The comment underscored UFC’s struggles with celebrity appearances, despite hosting high-profile events like the White House arena build.
Could This Hurt Stevenson’s Future?
The incident raises questions about UFC’s vetting process for guest appearances. Stevenson, who trains under Freddie Roach, has avoided such PR disasters before. But with his next fight looming, the UFC’s incompetence could become a recurring distraction. White’s apology—“*I tell you all the time, we just did the White House… and we can’t do this?*”—suggests internal chaos, not just a one-off mistake.
What’s Next for Shakur Stevenson?
Stevenson remains focused on his boxing career, but UFC’s error adds a layer of unpredictability. Fans and promoters will watch closely to see if the organization tightens its protocols. For now, the gaffe stands as a rare misstep in Stevenson’s polished public persona—and a black mark on UFC’s reputation for precision.