Dana White has consistently excelled at pushing boundaries and redefining what’s possible. His latest achievement – the largest and most impressive UFC fight in history. Hosted at the cutting-edge Sphere in Las Vegas solidifies his reputation as a visionary CEO. The $20 million+ Sphere event was a move that showcased the fights and the venue’s technological prowess. But that also came with some unjust criticism in the form of former boxer Oscar De La Hoya.
De La Hoya was in attendance for UFC 307 (Noche UFC) with fellow boxing enthusiast, Turki AlakShikh. As the two sat at Turki’s box and took in the complete essence of Mexican culture, there was a major and bizarre claim from the Mexican promoter. As Noche UFC was part of Riyadh Season, De La Hoya claims, the entire event was financed by Turki and not the UFC.
It was beautiful, it was spectacular. It looked really cool, the production value was there. Everything was amazing. So congratulations to Turki for footing the bill and making this celebration of Mexican culture come to life. And Dana, I know this wasn’t your idea or vision. Nothing ever is at the UFC. You are the frittatas errand boy.
Oscar De La Hoya via Instagram
De La Hoya continues to criticize UFC CEO Dana White, even though he enjoyed UFC 306 at the Sphere. White has asserted that no one is banned from UFC events, using De La Hoya as an example since he received a ticket from Riyadh Season sponsor Turki Alalshikh. De La Hoya chose to be at the Sphere with Alalshikh, as he did not attend the boxing match between Canelo Alvarez and Edgar Berlanga.
De La Hoya was very critical of White, who has expressed his vision and dream for the Sphere since 2022. The two have had a longstanding rivalry that has lasted nearly a decade, and it shows no signs of ending just because De La Hoya enjoyed the never-before-seen Noche UFC.
Oscar De La Hoya claps back at Canelo Alvarez
De La Hoya was in attendance at UFC Noche, which happened at the Sphere in Las Vegas. However, he refused to attend fellow Mexican fighter Canelo Alvarez’s bout with Edgar Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena. Canelo dominantly won the fight as he knocked down Berlanga in the third round and clinched a unanimous decision victory.
De La Hoya was a white spirit, as he claims the arena was not sold out. De La Hoya called it a lackluster event with a predictable main event. He also criticized Canelo for ducking David Benavidez and Dmitry Bivol.
As I predicted, T Mobile Arena did not sell out. In fact, an entire section of the arena was curtained off. Fighters are getting praise for simply going the distance with a 35-year-old Canelo. Who hasn’t knocked anybody out since 2021. Canelo wants to get paid. He avoids Benavidez and Bivol, who schooled him just like Mayweather. He wants to cruise easily into retirement.
Oscar De La Hoya via Instagram
The Alvarez-Berlanga fight drew over 20,000 fans to the arena and brought in an impressive $17 million from ticket sales alone compared to the $21 million gate for UFC Noche at the Sphere. Though the Sphere had everything in terms of fights and moments, both events were an amazing showcase of Mexican excellence.
