White Criticizes De La Hoya’s UFC 306 Plan
Before UFC 306, Oscar De La Hoya said he would attend Noche UFC at Sphere instead of Canelo Alvarez’s fight with Edgar Berlanga. Dana White responded that De La Hoya would not get a ticket from him and accused him of trying to insult Canelo. De La Hoya’s attendance was announced in advance, so it was not a surprise. [1] [2]
The Announcement
On September 9, 2024, De La Hoya publicly said he planned to attend UFC 306 at Sphere in Las Vegas. Canelo fought Berlanga at T-Mobile Arena on the same night, September 14. The event was promoted as Noche UFC and marked the UFC’s debut at Sphere. [1] [2]
Dana White’s Response
Asked about De La Hoya’s plan, White said he did not know where De La Hoya would get a ticket and that he would not provide one. White also said he believed De La Hoya was trying to “sh*t on Canelo.” That was White’s interpretation of De La Hoya’s motive, not an established fact. [1] [3]
The Canelo Connection
White had described Canelo as “a big part” of UFC 306’s creative plan, despite Canelo not competing at the event. The UFC show and Canelo–Berlanga bout took place in Las Vegas on the same evening. [1]
Noche UFC at Sphere
UFC 306 took place at Sphere on September 14, 2024. Its production used short films on the venue’s screen to present stories from Mexican history and combat sports. Before the event, White also discussed the scale of the production and the possibility that its spectacle could affect how the fights felt to viewers. [5]
The Ongoing Feud
White and De La Hoya have traded public criticism over the years. The September exchange came amid De La Hoya’s strained relationship with Canelo, his former promotional client. [3] [6]
What Happened Afterward
De La Hoya did attend UFC 306. In a September 20 account, he praised the event’s production and fights, while continuing to criticize White and Canelo. His attendance and later comments resolved the question posed before the event. [6]
Sources
[1] Sportskeeda: White on Canelo’s role in the creative plan and De La Hoya’s comments
[2] Boxing News: White responds to De La Hoya choosing UFC 306 over Canelo’s fight
[3] EssentiallySports: White’s comments about De La Hoya and Canelo
[4] Interview video
[5] Sportskeeda: White discusses the spectacle of Noche UFC 306
[6] MMA Fighting: De La Hoya praises UFC 306 after attending
Sources
Tags: MMA
