The combat sports world is reeling after Canelo Alvarez’s blockbuster fight against Terence Crawford on September 12, 2025, at Allegiant Stadium stole the spotlight from UFC’s Noche UFC 3, leaving the MMA giant humbled and its president, Dana White, facing a barrage of criticism. The boxing spectacle, streamed live on Netflix and promoted by White himself, drew unprecedented attention, overshadowing the UFC’s event in Texas the following night. Fans and analysts on X erupted, accusing White of prioritizing boxing’s glitz over MMA’s heart, with some branding him a “sellout” for his role in elevating Canelo’s mega-fight.

Canelo, the undisputed super-middleweight champion, delivered a masterclass against Crawford, a pound-for-pound great moving up two weight classes. The fight, hyped as a cultural and sporting milestone, saw Canelo’s punishing body shots overwhelm Crawford, securing a unanimous decision victory. The event’s massive viewership, bolstered by Netflix’s no-pay-per-view model, dwarfed UFC Noche’s numbers, despite the latter’s $20 million production at The Sphere. Social media posts mocked White’s presence at the Canelo-Crawford face-off, with one user quipping, “Dana’s chasing boxing money while UFC takes a backseat.” Another referenced a viral mix-up, joking, “Canelo, Kendrick Lamar, Joe Rogan, and Belal,” highlighting the overshadowing spectacle.

White, who partnered with Saudi promoter Turki Alalshikh for the boxing event, faced backlash for seemingly sidelining UFC’s Mexican Independence Day celebration. Fans pointed out that UFC Noche, originally planned for Guadalajara, was relocated to Texas due to arena issues, leaving a gap that Canelo’s fight filled. “Dana let boxing steal our night,” one X post read, reflecting frustration among MMA purists. Critics argued White’s focus on the lucrative Canelo-Crawford bout, which reportedly grossed over $150 million, diluted UFC’s identity as the premier combat sports promotion.

Despite the criticism, White defended his involvement, calling the boxing event “the biggest fight ever” in an ESPN Deportes interview. He emphasized his role in production and promotion, mirroring UFC’s model, but fans weren’t appeased. Some accused him of neglecting rising UFC stars like Diego Lopes, who fought on the Noche undercard, in favor of boxing’s star power. Others praised Canelo’s ability to command the weekend, with his cultural resonance as a Mexican icon outshining UFC’s efforts to honor the same heritage.

The fallout has sparked a broader debate about combat sports’ hierarchy. Canelo’s victory, both in the ring and in capturing global attention, has positioned boxing as the weekend’s main event, while UFC Noche became an afterthought. White’s gamble on boxing may have paid off financially, but the backlash suggests a cost to UFC’s loyal fanbase. As Canelo basks in his triumph, questions linger about whether White can balance his boxing ventures with MMA’s legacy, or if this upset marks a new era where boxing reclaims the combat sports throne.