Particle.news

Dana White Scolds UFC Production After Broadcast Labels Shakur Stevenson as Jalen Williams

White said the on-screen gaffe revealed failures in celebrity-graphics management that risk relationships with new Zuffa Boxing signees, the UFC’s broadcast quality and the promotion’s public image.

Overview

  • During UFC 329 at T-Mobile Arena, cameras showed boxing champion Shakur Stevenson in the front row while the broadcast graphic incorrectly identified him as Oklahoma City Thunder guard Jalen Williams.
  • UFC president Dana White publicly berated his production team after the main card, calling the error unacceptable and saying the promotion is “the worst” at showing celebrities correctly.
  • Commentary from the broadcast team noted the mistake live on air, and reports say the incident occurred after Conor McGregor’s quick, injury-shortened return fight amplified attention on the event.
  • Coverage suggests the mislabel was likely a technical mix-up tied to preloaded graphics for Oklahoma City–linked guests, but no formal explanation or on-air correction has been issued by UFC production.
  • The episode raises reputational and promotional concerns for the UFC because it involved a high-profile, recently signed Zuffa Boxing boxer and highlights how production errors can damage relationships with talent and viewers.