UFC president Dana White has been accused of being "tone deaf" after posting a photo of himself smoking a cigar with the caption "Great day" just hours after his promotion announced the death of flyweight fighter Allan Nascimento at age 34.
Nascimento died on Monday, August 3, after suffering what the UFC described as an apparent heart attack in his sleep. His death came six weeks after his last fight, a split decision loss to Mitch Raposo at UFC Vegas 119 in Las Vegas on June 20.
White shared the UFC's tribute post to Nascimento on his Instagram story on Monday night. Two hours later, he posted a photo of himself puffing on a cigar with the caption "Great day" and a smiling emoji, drawing anger from fans online.
Fans React on Social Media
"Dana is so tone deaf its actually insane," one user wrote on X.
"Gotta be one of Dana White's worst timed IG story posts ever," said another.
A third wrote: "Posting this s*** back to back might be the dumbest s*** I've ever seen in my life man."
A fourth commented: "'Great day' says the totally checked out Dana White on one of the worst days in the promotion's history."
A fifth simply said: "Read the room, man...."
UFC's Tribute to Nascimento
The UFC announced Nascimento's death on Monday night, writing: "This morning, Monday, August 3rd, our beloved flyweight fighter, Allan Nascimento, was found unresponsive after suffering an apparent heart attack in his sleep."
"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."
The statement was accompanied by a black-and-white photo of Nascimento smiling while holding up his fist in a UFC glove.
Nascimento's Career
Born in Sao Paulo, Nascimento built his reputation by winning 17 of his first 22 fights. Known as "Puro Osso," a Portuguese idiom meaning "skin and bones," the flyweight competed in multiple promotions during his career, including RIZIN, Legacy FC and Dana White's Contender Series.
Nascimento joined the UFC in 2021 and won four of his six fights there, finishing his professional career with a 22-7 record. He earned Performance of the Night bonuses for submission victories over Carlos Hernandez and Cody Durden.
Tribute From Charles Oliveira
Former UFC lightweight champion Charles Oliveira, who trained with Nascimento in Sao Paulo, posted an emotional tribute on social media.
He wrote in Portuguese: "Today I lost a brother that the fight game gave me. Thank you for always being by my side, for sharing the mats and the corner."
"I have nothing but gratitude for having you with me - in training, in the corner, and just hanging out. I love you, man; you're a legend. My brother, I can't even believe it; you will be deeply missed."
