Jalen Williams became an unlikely star of UFC 329 on 18 May 2025 after a graphic on the broadcast mislabeled Shakur Stevenson as the Oklahoma City Thunder guard.
What happened?
The UFC’s production team aired a graphic that incorrectly identified professional boxer Shakur Stevenson as Jalen Williams during the pay-per-view main card. The mistake drew immediate attention because Stevenson stands 5-foot-8 while Williams is listed at 6-foot-5. Dana White, the UFC president, called out his own team during a post-fight press conference, fuming over the error that aired to millions of viewers worldwide.
White’s rant went viral as he blamed his production staff for the blunder. “They put him up as a fuing OKC Thunder NBA player,” White said. “Are you fuing kidding me?” The UFC chief later apologized to Stevenson and vowed to fix the issue before future events.
How did Jalen Williams react?
Williams, 25, learned about the mix-up after the event and took it in stride. He posted a screenshot of the graphic on his Instagram story with the caption: “Ehhh close enough.” The lighthearted response added a fun layer to an otherwise embarrassing moment for the UFC.
The Thunder guard’s reaction reflected his reputation for a playful, social-media-savvy personality. Instead of taking offense, Williams embraced the viral mix-up and turned it into a meme that resonated with fans across both sports.
Why it matters for Jalen Williams
The mix-up put Williams in the spotlight for reasons he didn’t expect. While he wasn’t at UFC 329, the blunder created a rare crossover moment between the NBA and UFC. The Thunder guard’s viral response showed his connection with younger fans who value authenticity over outrage.
For the UFC, the error highlighted the need for tighter production standards ahead of major events. But it also opened a door for creative marketing. A future appearance by Williams at a UFC event could bridge the gap between the two sports and tap into Oklahoma City’s passionate fan base.
What comes next?
Williams is focused on the 2025-26 NBA season with the Thunder. The league’s media spotlight often shines on its brightest young stars, and this viral moment only adds to his profile. The UFC could explore ways to turn the mistake into a fun collaboration, perhaps inviting Williams to an event or featuring him in promotional content.
For now, Williams is back on the court preparing for another season. But the UFC’s blunder turned him into an overnight crossover celebrity — and he’s not done laughing about it yet.