In a recent interview with ESPN Deportes, UFC President Dana White confirmed his role in promoting the highly anticipated boxing superfight between Canelo Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in Las Vegas, scheduled for September 12, 2025. Despite this confirmation, White’s candid admission, “I hate it,” has ignited discussions about the challenges of staging major combat sports events in large venues, the dynamics of cross-promotional deals, and the broader implications for the sport of boxing and mixed martial arts. This revelation, as reported by MMAmania.com, underscores a tension between White’s personal preferences and the strategic necessities of the fight, which promises to be a landmark event drawing a global audience.
The Context of the Fight
Canelo Alvarez, the undisputed super middleweight champion, and Terence Crawford, a former welterweight and current super welterweight champion, represent the pinnacle of boxing excellence. Alvarez, with a record of 62 wins, 2 losses, and 2 draws, holds the WBA, WBC, and WBO titles at 168 pounds, while Crawford, undefeated at 41-0, recently moved up to 154 pounds, capturing the WBA super welterweight title against Israil Madrimov. Their clash at Allegiant Stadium, a 65,000-seat venue primarily known for NFL games and large-scale events, is poised to be one of the biggest fights in recent memory, drawing comparisons to historic bouts like Mayweather vs. Pacquiao.
The decision to hold the fight at Allegiant Stadium, rather than a traditional arena, reflects a trend in combat sports towards larger venues to accommodate massive crowds and generate significant revenue. However, White’s comments reveal a personal aversion to such settings, despite his commitment to the event.
Dana White’s Perspective and Commitment
Dana White’s distaste for stadium events is well-documented. Throughout his tenure as UFC President, White has consistently favored smaller, more controlled environments that he believes enhance the fan experience and maintain the sport’s intensity. His reluctance to host Canelo vs. Crawford at Allegiant Stadium stems from several concerns:
- Fan Experience: White argues that stadiums can dilute the intimacy and energy of combat sports. “I hate it. I hate it,” he told ESPN Deportes, emphasizing his belief that the vastness of Allegiant Stadium might not provide the same level of engagement as a smaller arena. This sentiment is rooted in his experience with UFC events, where he has often opted for venues like the T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, which seats around 20,000, rather than larger stadiums.
- Logistical Challenges: Stadium events require extensive planning and resources, from security to seating arrangements, to ensure a smooth experience for fans and fighters. White’s comment, “So because I hate it so much, you know I’m gonna have to try and figure out how to make it an incredible experience inside Allegiant,” as reported by MMAmania.com, highlights his recognition of these challenges and his determination to overcome them.
Despite his personal aversion, White’s involvement in the promotion of Canelo vs. Crawford is a strategic move. The fight is being promoted by TKO Group Holdings, the parent company of UFC, which White leads. His role, as confirmed by Riyadh Season head Turki Alalshikh, involves leveraging UFC’s promotional expertise to ensure the event’s success. This cross-promotional effort, combining UFC’s resources with the star power of Alvarez and Crawford, aims to maximize the fight’s global impact.
White’s commitment to hosting the fight at Allegiant Stadium, despite his dislike for the venue, is driven by the potential for massive attendance and revenue. The stadium’s capacity can accommodate over 50,000 fans, a number that would be unattainable in smaller arenas. This scale is crucial for a fight of this magnitude, which is expected to draw a global audience and generate significant pay-per-view numbers. White’s role, therefore, is not just promotional but also logistical, ensuring that the event meets the high expectations set by the fighters and their fan bases.
The Stadium Choice and Its Implications
Allegiant Stadium, home to the Las Vegas Raiders of the NFL, has become a hub for major events, including UFC’s own stadium shows like UFC 264 and UFC 296. However, White’s preference for smaller venues is influenced by his belief that they offer a better atmosphere for combat sports. The stadium’s capacity, while impressive, presents unique challenges, such as ensuring that all fans feel connected to the action, a concern White has voiced repeatedly.
The choice of Allegiant Stadium for Canelo vs. Crawford is driven by several factors. First, the venue’s size can accommodate the expected demand for tickets, potentially drawing over 50,000 fans, a number that would be unattainable in smaller arenas. Second, the stadium’s location in Las Vegas, a global hub for sports and entertainment, enhances the fight’s visibility and appeal. Third, the involvement of TKO Group Holdings, which sees value in aligning UFC’s promotional machinery with a boxing superfight, underscores the strategic importance of the venue.
White’s comment, “I hate it,” is not a rejection of the fight itself but a reflection of his personal stance on stadium events. His commitment to making it “an incredible experience” despite his aversion indicates a willingness to adapt and innovate, ensuring that the event meets the high expectations set by the fighters and their fan bases. This adaptability is crucial, given the stakes involved. The fight’s success could influence future decisions about venue choices in combat sports, potentially encouraging other promoters to consider similar settings, while also serving as a test case for White’s ability to manage large-scale events outside his preferred format.
Canelo Alvarez and Bud Crawford: The Fighters
Canelo Alvarez, at 34 years old, is in the twilight of his career but remains one of boxing’s most dominant forces. His recent victories, including a win over Jermell Charlo in September 2024, have solidified his status as the undisputed super middleweight champion. Alvarez’s ability to draw massive crowds and his marketability make him a natural fit for a stadium event. His record, 62-2-2 with 39 knockouts, reflects a career of consistency and power, making him a formidable opponent for Crawford.
Terence Crawford, 37, brings an undefeated record of 41-0, with 31 knockouts, to the fight. His recent move to super welterweight, culminating in a title win against Israil Madrimov, demonstrates his versatility and ambition. Crawford’s precision and technical skill, combined with his ability to adapt to different weight classes, make him a dangerous challenger to Alvarez. The prospect of Crawford moving up two weight classes to face Alvarez adds an extra layer of intrigue to the matchup.
The fight’s significance extends beyond the ring. It is a clash of styles—Alvarez’s power and volume punching against Crawford’s technical mastery and counterpunching. It also represents a bridge between boxing and MMA, with White’s involvement highlighting the growing intersection of the two sports. The event’s potential to draw a massive audience, both live and through pay-per-view, underscores its importance in the combat sports calendar.
The Cross-Promotional Dynamics
White’s role in promoting Canelo vs. Crawford is part of a broader trend of cross-promotional efforts in combat sports. TKO Group Holdings, formed by the merger of UFC and WWE, has been actively exploring opportunities to leverage its resources across different disciplines. White’s experience in promoting UFC events, known for their efficiency and fan engagement, is seen as a valuable asset in ensuring the boxing superfight’s success.
The involvement of Turki Alalshikh, head of Riyadh Season and a key figure in boxing promotion, further complicates the dynamics. Alalshikh’s vision for global boxing events, often held in large venues, aligns with the choice of Allegiant Stadium. However, White’s preference for smaller settings creates a contrast that highlights the differing philosophies within the promotional landscape. White’s comment, “I hate it,” is a candid expression of this tension, but his commitment to the event demonstrates a pragmatic approach to achieving a common goal.
This cross-promotional effort is not without precedent. UFC has previously collaborated with boxing promotions, such as the McGregor-Mayweather bout in 2017, which White also played a significant role in. These events, while controversial, have proven lucrative and have expanded the reach of both sports. Canelo vs. Crawford, with its star power and the backing of TKO Group Holdings, represents another chapter in this evolving narrative. White’s involvement, despite his personal aversion, is a testament to the strategic importance of the fight and the potential for it to bridge the worlds of boxing and MMA.
The Fan and Fighter Perspective
For fans, the prospect of Canelo vs. Crawford at Allegiant Stadium is a dream matchup. The fight’s potential to draw a massive crowd, combined with the spectacle of a stadium event, promises an unforgettable experience. However, White’s concerns about the fan experience resonate with those who value the intimacy of smaller venues. The challenge for promoters will be to balance the scale of the event with the quality of the experience, ensuring that fans feel connected to the action despite the stadium’s size.
For the fighters, the venue’s choice is secondary to the opportunity to face each other. Alvarez and Crawford are both seasoned veterans who have competed in front of large crowds before. Alvarez’s recent fights, such as his bout against Gennady Golovkin at T-Mobile Arena, have drawn significant attendance, while Crawford’s performances, often in smaller venues, have still captivated audiences. The stadium setting, while unfamiliar to White, is likely to be embraced by the fighters as a platform to showcase their skills on a global stage.
White’s role in ensuring the event’s success is crucial. His experience in promoting UFC events, known for their efficiency and fan engagement, will be leveraged to create an “incredible experience” inside Allegiant Stadium. This involves not just logistical planning but also innovative approaches to fan engagement, such as enhanced viewing options, interactive elements, and ensuring that the fight’s atmosphere translates to the stadium’s vast space. White’s commitment, despite his personal aversion, is a recognition of the fight’s potential to be a landmark event in combat sports history.
The Broader Implications for Combat Sports
White’s involvement in Canelo vs. Crawford, despite his personal aversion to stadium events, highlights the evolving landscape of combat sports. The intersection of boxing and MMA, facilitated by entities like TKO Group Holdings, suggests a future where promotional boundaries are increasingly blurred. This trend, while challenging for traditionalists like White, offers opportunities for growth and innovation.
The fight’s potential to draw a massive audience, both live and through pay-per-view, underscores its importance in the combat sports calendar. It is not just a boxing event but a statement about the sport’s global appeal and the power of cross-promotional efforts. White’s role, while reluctant, is a testament to his adaptability and his commitment to maximizing the event’s impact.
Moreover, the event’s success could influence future decisions about venue choices in combat sports. If Allegiant Stadium proves to be a viable option for such high-profile fights, it may encourage other promoters to consider similar settings. However, White’s comments serve as a cautionary note, reminding the industry of the importance of fan experience and the challenges of scaling up. The balance between spectacle and intimacy, revenue and engagement, will be a key factor in determining the event’s legacy.
Conclusion
Dana White’s admission, “I hate it,” about hosting Canelo Alvarez vs. Bud Crawford at Allegiant Stadium is a candid reflection of his preferences and concerns. Yet, his commitment to the event, driven by strategic and promotional necessities, ensures that the fight will proceed as planned. The matchup, set for September 12, 2025, represents a collision of boxing’s elite, facilitated by the resources and expertise of TKO Group Holdings and White’s promotional acumen.
For fans, the prospect of witnessing Alvarez and Crawford in a stadium setting is a thrilling opportunity, despite White’s reservations. For the fighters, it is a chance to etch their names further into boxing history. And for White, it is a challenge to overcome his personal aversion and deliver an “incredible experience” as he promised. The event’s success will be measured not just by the outcome of the fight but by its ability to captivate a global audience, bridging the worlds of boxing and MMA in a spectacle that transcends venue preferences. As the date approaches, the anticipation builds, and White’s reluctant involvement becomes a subplot in a story that promises to be one of the most significant chapters in combat sports history.