Dana White on Canelo vs Crawford at Allegiant Stadium: “I Hate It!”

In a surprising turn of events, UFC President Dana White has been thrust into the role of promoter for the high-stakes boxing match between Saul “Canelo” Alvarez and Terence “Bud” Crawford, scheduled for September 12, 2025, at Las Vegas’s Allegiant Stadium. Despite this honor, White expressed his disdain for stadium events, stating emphatically, “I hate it!” This unexpected collaboration highlights the intricate dynamics of boxing promotion, especially under the influence of international partners like Riyadh Season’s Turki Alalshikh, setting the stage for an intriguing fight weekend that coincides with UFC Noche 2025.

Dana White’s Unease with Allegiant Stadium Promotion

Dana White, the UFC president, has made it clear that he is not a fan of hosting events in large venues like stadiums. His aversion seems to stem from concerns over logistics and the overall production experience. White’s dissatisfaction was evident when he stated emphatically, “I hate it. I hate it!” during an interview. He expressed that despite his personal feelings, he feels compelled to make the upcoming Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford fight an unforgettable experience at Allegiant Stadium. As a result, fans can expect White to leverage his extensive experience in event management to enhance the atmosphere for this monumental boxing match.

Stadium events have, however, proven successful in the boxing world; for instance, a recent matchup drew a crowd of 65,000 at a major stadium without major complaints. This evidence suggests that while White may dislike the format, it has the potential to deliver thrilling spectacles for fans. As preparations for the September superfight intensify, the boxing community is keen to see if White’s stewardship will help transform his stance on stadium events.

Promotional Dynamics and Key Partnerships

The promotion of the highly anticipated Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford bout raises questions about the decision-making dynamics behind the event’s location and date. Speculation suggests that White’s disapproval may stem from pressures exerted by his Saudi business partners, particularly Riyadh Season head Turki Alalshikh, who recently announced White’s promotional role. Furthermore, rumors point to Netflix potentially broadcasting the fight, adding another layer of complexity to the promotional logistics. As fans await the fight, White is reportedly working diligently to ensure the event adheres to both the expectations of his partners and his own high standards for a combat sports production.

In his statements regarding the promotion, White emphasized his commitment to overseeing all aspects of the event, likening it to a UFC fight in terms of production and operational execution. He asserted, “When they say we’re promoting it, I’m doing the promotion. We’re handling the production, the event operations, PR. I mean, everything to do with the fight.” This indicates that regardless of any external pressures, White intends to maintain a hands-on approach, ensuring that the quality of the event mirrors his high standards.

UFC Noche: A Unique Scheduling Scenario

Simultaneously, UFC Noche 2025 is set for September 13th, a day after the Alvarez vs. Crawford clash, creating a unique scheduling dilemma for White. Scheduled to take place in Guadalajara, Mexico, UFC Noche promises to celebrate Mexican Independence Day, marking it as a crucial annual event for the organization. However, uncertainty looms about whether the new arena in Guadalajara will be ready in time, which puts additional pressure on White as he manages two major events in close succession across different combat sports disciplines.

In commenting on UFC Noche, White stated, “Noche is gonna be a special event every year for us to celebrate Mexico and Mexican Independence Day. And yeah, it’s gonna be big from here on out, forever.” This commitment to maintain the event’s stature signals its significance not just as another fight card, but as a cultural homage, demonstrating White’s ability to balance operational needs with cultural respect and fan expectations.

Future Implications for Boxing and UFC Collaboration

As the date for the Alvarez vs. Crawford fight approaches, the integration between the realms of boxing and UFC under White’s leadership will be closely scrutinized. Not only does this event represent a clash between two of boxing’s elite, but it also serves as a significant test for White’s adaptability within a sport he typically oversees from a mixed martial arts perspective. The anticipation surrounding the fight is palpable, with fans eager to witness how this crossover might influence industry standards and promotional strategies.

Reflecting on his involvement, White noted, “It’s an absolute honor to be involved in a boxing match between two of the sport’s greatest athletes.” His enthusiasm for collaborating with Canelo and Crawford showcases White’s recognition of the event’s monumental scale, suggesting he is prepared to engage deeply with the boxing community. As September draws near, the focus will be on how effectively White can channel his promotional prowess to elevate the fight experience, potentially reshaping the landscape of boxing promotions moving forward.

Despite Dana White’s expressed unease with promoting the Canelo Alvarez vs. Bud Crawford superfight at Allegiant Stadium, he acknowledges the significance of the event and aims to ensure a memorable experience for fans. The success of this event could reshape White’s views on stadium promotions, proving pivotal for the future of boxing and cross-promotion with the UFC.

Frequently Asked Questions