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Longtime NBA superstar Shaquille O'Neal made the move to the Boston Celtics this offseason, signing as a free agent after his final year with the Cleveland Cavaliers. Now, he's set to make his first public appearance in the city as a part of the Celtics organization, and he'll do so at the UFC Fan Expo.
At 12PM ET at the John B. Hynes Convention Center, O'Neal will join UFC commentator Mike Goldberg for a Q&A session with fans.
"Shaq has been a huge supporter of the UFC and we’re pumped that he’ll be making his first public appearance at the UFC Fan Expo,” UFC President Dana White said in a release from the organization today. “With Shaq becoming a Celtic and this being our first-ever event in Boston, the timing is perfect. This is just another reason why Boston sports fans can’t miss this event."
The third edition of the Fan Expo is currently under way in Boston, and continues through tomorrow. For more UFC Fan Expo information and to purchase tickets, fans can visit UFCfanexpo.com. And for companies that would like to reserve a spot on future Fan Expo events, they can contact Ed Gallo, Event Director at 1-203-840-5546 or email egallo@ufcfanexpo.com.
Penick's Analysis: This isn't the first association with the UFC that O'Neal has had this year, as he was an unlockable character in the UFC Undisputed 2010 video game. A longtime fan of the sport, O'Neal has even discussed a desire to fight in MMA once his basketball career comes to a close. That's not necessarily something that is realistic to happen, but it's there. This is actually a very good publicity move for the UFC in Boston the day of the event, as Celtics fans will be very intrigued about his first appearance in the city as part of the team.
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