As the UFC prepares to make its debut at the Sphere in Las Vegas later this year, the organization is facing criticism from legendary boxer Oscar De La Hoya. The UFC’s upcoming event, scheduled for Mexican Independence Day weekend, is being touted as a tribute to the Mexican fighting spirit. However, De La Hoya believes the UFC is making a significant mistake in its approach.
“It is pretty strange to me you’re holding a Mexican independence weekend fight night for Mexicans but you have no Mexican main event,” De La Hoya stated as per thesportsrush. “In order to sell that night, you must have a Mexican main event. That is probably what Dana White and the UFC don’t really understand.”
De La Hoya, who has been in the fight promotion business for nearly two decades, has extensive experience hosting high-profile events around Mexican Independence Day. He believes that the lack of a Mexican headliner could potentially hurt the UFC’s business, especially if the event is scheduled on the same night as a fight featuring Mexican superstar Canelo Álvarez.
The UFC has not yet confirmed the main event for the Sphere event, but rumors suggest that the organization is considering former champion Conor McGregor to headline the pay-per-view. While McGregor’s drawing power is undeniable, De La Hoya feels this would not be the right way to celebrate Mexican Independence Day.
UFC president Dana White has promised that the Sphere event will be “one of the biggest sporting events of all time,” with the organization having invested $16 million to ensure a remarkable experience. However, De La Hoya’s criticism highlights the importance of authentically representing the Mexican fighting spirit on such a significant occasion.
As the UFC continues to explore new opportunities and forge strategic alliances, the sponsorship deal with Riyadh Season, a state-managed entertainment festival launched by Saudi Arabia’s General Entertainment Authority, is the latest example of the organization’s efforts to expand its global reach. Nevertheless, De La Hoya’s concerns underscore the need for the UFC to carefully consider the cultural significance of its events, especially when catering to a specific audience.
