Props: UFC.com

Quoteworthy:

"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. With Shaq becoming a Celtic and this being our first-ever event in Boston, the timing is perfect." - UFC President Dana White

Shaquille O'Neal was the first mainstream athlete to really embrace the UFC, making appearances at several events and bringing the growing company much needed media attention when media attention was hard to come by. Now a Boston Celtic, O'Neal made his Boston social debut at the raucous UFC Fan Expo today. The 7'1" center joked with Tito Ortiz, challenged Korean giant Hong Man Choi, and even grappled a bit with a small child. Of course, everyone's a critic, and the Diesel had to weigh in on the referee crisis in MMA:

"Listen, I love Herb Dean but I'll be watching on TV and I'll be like 'Herb, why do you stop the fight so soon all the time?' Five more punches to the head please."

Video from ESPN Boston after the jump. What do you think? Will Shaq join Herschel Walker and Jose Canseco and make the leap to the cage? Or will the closest he ever comes to the Octagon be his $5,000 seats on the floor?