Saturday's UFC 329 promised high-octane thrills both inside and outside the octagon, but it was Dana White's unfiltered rant that truly stole the show. Max Holloway's swift victory over Conor McGregor in the first round set the stage for an eventful evening, yet it was a production blunder involving celebrity attendees that grabbed headlines.
UFC President Dana White didn't hold back when his production team mixed up boxing star Shakur Stevenson with Oklahoma City Thunder's guard Jalen Williams during the event. The mistaken identity, caught in real-time by an alert commentator, sparked White's ire. "I just paid Shakur Stevenson a s---load of money, and for some reason we can't figure this celebrity s--- out," White vented post-event, clearly frustrated by the repeated errors.
“I just paid Shakur Stevenson a s---load of money, and for some reason we can't figure this celebrity s--- out.”
The star-studded UFC 329 event wasn’t just about the fights. WNBA's Sophie Cunningham also made waves by taking on the role of a UFC ring girl for the night, further driving home the celebrity appeal. However, these high-profile appearances were overshadowed by the production gaffe, leaving fans and analysts questioning UFC's ability to manage its celebrity engagements effectively.
While the night was undoubtedly a spectacle, this incident highlights a recurring issue for UFC – ensuring their behind-the-scenes operations match the star power they attract. As White's candid remarks indicate, a little extra attention to detail could go a long way in polishing the organization’s reputation in handling celebrity involvements.