Speaking at the UFC 333 postfight news conference, White distinguished Stevenson’s situation from those of UFC fighters seeking to leave their contracts.
Dana White cites Shakur Stevenson's brief Zuffa Boxing tenure when asked about UFC fighter contracts
Asked whether Stevenson had been difficult to work with, White declined to criticize the boxer or his representatives.
“Listen, man. I think that everybody's involved. They're happy, you know, with where we're at with it. I have nothing bad to say about him or his team, but I offered him the release, and they accepted.”
Stevenson’s departure also prompted a question about why he could leave while UFC fighters seeking releases remained under contract. White pointed to the brief nature of their business relationship.
“Well, we never even did one fight with the guy. We were in business with him for a couple months,” White said.
White did not identify a specific reason for ending the partnership or disclose further details of the discussions.