Dana White is getting pummelled online by fans after sharing a post on social media hours after a UFC fighter’s sudden death that many are calling “tone deaf.”
White, the CEO of UFC, shared a tribute post to Allan Nascimento — who died on Monday after suffering an apparent heart attack — but shortly after, seemingly was in a celebratory mood.
Just two hours after resharing the UFC’s official announcement of the flyweight fighter’s death, White posted a photo of himself enjoying a cigar on his Instagram Story along with the caption “Great Day” and a smiling emoji.
While it’s unclear what White was celebrating, the timing, according to some fans, couldn’t have been worse – and many were quick to call out the MMA organization’s head honcho.
How did fans react online?
“Posting this s*** back to back might be the dumbest s*** I’ve ever seen in my life man,” one user wrote on X.
“Dana is so tone deaf its actually insane,” another commented.
“One of the athletes from the guy’s company dies, and in the next story, he posts a story with “great day” smoking a cigar,” a third user posted. “At the very least, in terrible taste.”
“Gotta be one of Dana White’s worst timed IG story posts ever,” another X user replied.
One user commented that, unfortunately, the post was hardly surprising.
“Dana White only cares about Dana White. Nothing new or surprising here. But, disgusting and tone deaf? Most definitely,” Full Blown MMA posted on X.
UFC fighter Renato Moicano didn’t hold back either,
“Wow, buddy … Dana really screwed up on this one. He shared the kid’s photo, then lit up his cigarette and just enjoyed himself,” the Brazilian lightweight said, per Cage Pulse.
“We really are temporary in this cruel world. Only Jesus can save us.”
How did Nascimento die?
Nascimento, who had competed in UFC’s flyweight division since 2021, died at the age of 34 of an apparent heart attack.
“This morning, Monday, August 3rd, our beloved fighter and exemplary flyweight, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep,” the UFC said.
“Despite the efforts of the responding medical team, he was pronounced deceased at the scene. Our thoughts and deepest condolences are with Allan’s family, friends, teammates, and loved ones during this incredibly difficult time.”
Nascimento’s last fight in the UFC was in June during the UFC Fight Night: Kape vs. Horiguchi event, losing to Mitch Raposo via split decision.
Nicknamed “Puro Osso” (Portuguese for skin and bones), the 5-foot-8, 125-pound fighter had an overall MMA record of 22 wins and seven losses, and a 4-2 record in the UFC, per MMA Junkie.
— With Eddie Chau files