Podcaster Ariel Helwani recently expressed his belief that Canelo Alvarez might try to reclaim the Mexican Independence Day date from the UFC on September 14th. This date has traditionally belonged to Canelo until the UFC began scheduling events on the same day to capitalize on the large fan base. Last year, Canelo had to forego his date and fight on September 30th against Jermell Charlo due to the UFC’s event.
There have been suggestions that one way for Canelo to secure the September 14th date would be to face David Benavidez. However, the likelihood of this fight materializing seems slim. The names of Edgar Berlanga and Chris Eubank Jr. have also been mentioned as potential opponents for Canelo, but they may not be popular enough to draw the masses needed for Canelo to reclaim his date from the UFC.
Helwani suggests that Canelo could opt to move his fight to a week later, but pride may prevent him from conceding the date to the UFC after all these years. The rise in popularity of UFC in the U.S. is attributed to the action-packed fights and the quick nature of the bouts, often ending almost immediately due to factors like lighter gloves and various ways to finish a fight.
Though fighting Benavidez could help Canelo reclaim his date, it would require a substantial financial incentive, with Canelo reportedly seeking $200 million for such a fight. Negotiations for previous fights may have impacted Canelo’s ability to secure the date sooner, making it challenging for him to compete with the UFC for the coveted September 14th slot.
The Dilemma of Sharing the Date
Despite the UFC’s stronghold on the September 14th date, it may be in Canelo’s best interest to share the date only if he faces a compelling opponent like David Benavidez. With other potential opponents already engaged in fights around that time, Canelo’s options are limited, and the risk of a low-interest fight could harm his pay-per-view numbers.
Helwani’s remarks about the UFC event being a “love letter to Mexico” raise questions about Dana White’s intentions for the event. Will the card feature Mexican fighters to appeal to the audience, or will it include UFC stars known to entertain Mexican fans? The competition for viewership on September 14th poses a challenge for Canelo’s camp as they strategize their next move.
While rumors circulate about Canelo’s potential return to the September 14th date, the feasibility of this move remains uncertain. Without a high-profile opponent like Benavidez, Canelo risks diminishing his appeal and PPV numbers. The pressure to deliver an exciting fight that resonates with U.S. fans adds complexity to Canelo’s decision-making process.
The battle for the Mexican Independence Day date between Canelo Alvarez and the UFC underscores the competitive nature of the combat sports industry. As Canelo weighs his options and navigates the challenges posed by scheduling conflicts and opponent availability, the boxing world eagerly awaits his next move in the quest to reclaim his historic date.