Just when you thought Dana White‘s schedule couldn’t be any more hectic, he signed up for one of the most exciting weekends in combat sports history. On Friday, September 12, 2025, Canelo Alvarez defends his Ring Magazine super middleweight title against Terence Crawford at Allegiant Stadium in the first-ever TKO boxing match. Not only is this a major fight, but it is also co-sponsored by none other than the UFC head honcho himself, owing to an invitation from Saudi advisor Turki Alalshikh. Turki is more than simply an advisor; he is the mastermind behind the scale, spectacle, and the historic UFC-boxing partnership currently taking shape under the TKO name. And the kicker? That’s only half the weekend.
The very next night, Dana White gets to turn the tables and deliver Noche UFC 320 in Guadalajara, Mexico—a celebration of Mexican Independence Day and one of the UFC’s biggest cards of the year. The UFC CEO is juggling back-to-back huge events in two countries: a $150 million boxing blockbuster and a record UFC event. The cumulative worth of these two nights is projected to be $300 million, making it one of the most financially ambitious weekends in fighting history. It’s not only about logistics; it’s about putting on two events that resonate deeply with Mexican fans while maintaining high intensity and quality levels. And don’t forget that Allegiant Stadium is also hosting a college football game on the same weekend, adding to the chaos.
It is worth noting that Dana White and Canelo Alvarez‘s collaboration did not happen out of nowhere; it was the consequence of two years of quiet war over the holiday weekend. The head honcho secured the T-Mobile Arena ahead of Alvarez’s team in 2023, launching the inaugural Noche UFC event. The next year, the boxer responded by locking down T-Mobile and moving UFC 306 to The Sphere. Now, in 2025, they’re collaborating rather than competing for venues. And the move from enemies to collaborators alters everything. This TKO boxing debut is more than simply a scheduling victory; it ushers in a new age of MMA-boxing crossover, and Turki Alalshikh is pulling the strings behind the curtain. Instead of splitting the audience, they plan to dominate Friday and Saturday.
There’s a college football game that Saturday at Allegiant Stadium and UFC’s has their own Noche UFC event in Mexico on Saturday.
Jake Paul/Mike Tyson was on a Friday night on Netflix.
— Jed I. Goodman © (@jedigoodman) May 4, 2025
However, this is not simply business. It’s a legacy. For Canelo Alvarez, defeating Crawford, who is moving up two weight classes, would solidify his status as boxing’s face. For Crawford, this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to stun the world. And for Dana White, it’s the ultimate test: can he help market one of the biggest boxing matches ever while keeping his UFC engine running smoothly? With combined duties totaling $300 million and overlapping audiences, there is no room for error. September 2025 isn’t just about fights; it’s about rewriting the playbook for how they’re delivered. And for now, it seems like things will go fluently, especially considering how Alvarez is excited to work with Dana White.
Canelo Alvarez shares excitement toward working with Dana White
The excitement is not just on paper; it is evident in Canelo Alvarez’s tone, energy, and the way he discusses this new part of his career. Alvarez is revitalized, coming off a historic partnership with Turki Alalshikh and now looking forward to a co-promoted mega-event with Dana White. While many athletes chase known promoters and play it safe, Alvarez is doing the opposite—choosing to grow with the sport. He has now joined forces with TKO, a brand-new combat sports engine that combines the polish of the UFC with the prestige of boxing. And at the heart of it is Alvarez, calm and confident, embracing change with open arms.
Canelo Alvarez’s resume proves he’s never been afraid to blend business with risky movements. From Oscar De La Hoya to Al Haymon and Eddie Hearn, he has always chosen partners based on vision rather than loyalty. Now, as he enters this four-fight pact under the Riyadh Season banner, he is confident in Alalshikh’s leadership and is looking forward to working with Dana White. In his own words, it is “something new.” And perhaps that is exactly what boxing requires—fresh blood, new relationships, and the ability for fighters to establish legacies outside of established structures. Dana White may not have all of the answers yet, but the boxer is not looking for a savior; he is seeking synergy.
Alvarez is now focused on his May 4 fight against the undefeated William Scull, but the September clash with Terence Crawford is quietly developing in the background. The Saudi debut already feels like a fresh start—a new place, climate, and a more contemplative Alvarez. “I am about to complete one of my dreams,” he said. It provides a rare peek into how important this run is to him. After nearly two decades of fighting on American soil, he’s now part of a worldwide movement—handpicked by Turki Alalshikh, loved by Dana White, and poised to usher boxing into a new era of spectacle and collaboration.
The post Dana White’s Noche UFC 320 and Canelo vs Crawford in a Tricky Situation With $300M Responsibility After Turki Alalsikh’s Decision appeared first on EssentiallySports.
