This September Canelo Alvarez is all set to take on Edgar Berlanga at the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas. However, this time around it isn’t just his opponent he is up against but also the giant technological marvel called the Las Vegas Sphere. As it turns out, the Mexican Independence Day will feature the UFC Noche event at the Sphere.
Therefore, the UFC will directly compete against Mexico’s biggest star. UFC CEO, Dana White has lauded it as an event like no other. In fact, White, who generally promotes the big fights at UFC PPVs has been highlighting the venue more than his fighters.
This did not sit well with Sean O’Malley who will headline the event against Merab Dvalishvili for the bantamweight title. As such, “Suga” known for his flamboyant and outspoken nature voiced his displeasure at the promotional tactics. To be fair to White, it is a venue like no other, which has already seen the head honcho invest $16 million.
The massive LED-covered state-of-the-art venue promises an immersive experience like none other. As such, White believes UFC Noche will be extremely difficult to replicate. However, will it be enough to take the spotlight away from Canelo on Mexican Independence Day?
Mexico’s biggest star
Alvarez will put his unified Super Middleweight title up against the underdog Berlanga. Therefore, the majority of Mexican fans are expected to make their way to the T-Mobile Arena on September 14. The redheaded technical maestro has a record of 61 wins and 2 losses. Having fought professionally since the age of 15, the Mexican has achieved everything a boxer could, including titles in 4 divisions.
Canelo Alvarez (via Instagram)As such, he believes he has nothing left to prove in the sport, and rightly so. Therefore, the opportunity to watch him fight becomes all the more precious, as he can decide to hang up his boots anytime he wants. This is because money seems to be driving him more than legacy, which he has already established. This is bad news for Dana White because Mexican fans will cherish the opportunity to watch their hero on Independence Day rather than a ‘flashy’ building which seems to be the main selling point for the UFC.
UFC fighters outshined by a building?
As mentioned earlier, White’s promotion for UFC Noche or UFC 306 has mainly to do with the Sphere. This rubbed the UFC fighters the wrong way. In a recent interview with Michael Bisping, Sean O’Malley called out the UFC CEO for the apparent disrespect. The more White promotes UFC Noche the more he seems to be belittling his fighters.
Sean O’Malley and Merab Dvalishvili will headline the UFC Sphere event (via X)At the end of the day, the fighters are pouring their blood, sweat, and tears for the company and the event. The Sphere for all its technological advancements and marketability should not outshine the fights on the card. However, this is what seems to be happening at the moment. Moreover, White also has animosity toward MGM Resorts International who own the T-Mobile Arena. He felt disrespected that MGM would conduct a competing event despite decades of collaboration with the UFC.
Turki Alalshikh made the Sphere a reality for Dana White
The involvement of Turki Alashikh, the chairman of Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority has added another level of complexity to this saga. White found an ally in Alashikh against his rivalry with Canelo. Earlier, Alashikh tried on many occasions to set up a super fight between Alvarez and David Benavidez. This was the beginning of a feud between the two.
Dana White and Turki Alalshikh together (Image via X)As such, Canelo asked north of $200 million to make this happen, putting this fight out of reach for everyone, including the Saudis. Consequently, it was not a big surprise when Alashikh agreed to sponsor UFC 306 which would likely hurt Canelo’s PPV numbers. Despite this, Alashikh hopes to work with Canelo in the future to set up a bout against Terence Crawford.
This collaboration allowed White to conduct the first combat sports event at the Sphere, making it a historic feat. Unfortunately, it is still a huge gamble going up against the likes of Canelo Alvarez. Will this bet pay off? White would hope so because he not only has a ton of money on the line but also his reputation as a fight promoter.
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