The set is set for Canelo Alvarez to sway the fans and keep them hooked with every punch he throws in the squared circle at T-Mobile Arena. But he won’t be the only one trying to put on a show and a spectacle for the fans with high-octane action on September 14. A few corners away, other Mexican superstars with 4 oz gloves will try to compete for the glory at Noche UFC. So, it is a showdown between one of the biggest promotions in combat sports and the face of boxing. But the Mexican champion has different feelings about it.

The fans are split between the two events and which one to pick. But Noche UFC has already racked up a record $23 million gate for the event. It would have raised concerns for anyone but Alvarez. When the 34-year-old sat down at the Cigar Talks Podcast with Naji, the latter asked him how he felt about the UFC trying to challenge him on the same date.

The super middleweight champion dismissed the impression of competition between him and the UFC. He believed Noche UFC provided a platform for his fellow compatriots to shine and seize the limelight and represent Mexico. So, instead of being bitter, he is proud that his fellow Mexicans are able to shine on the same night, too.

Alvarez, at 61-2-2, declared, “No, I don’t see that in that way [UFC challenging him]. I think competition is good. But mostly I feel proud about other Mexicans is there that night representing my country. It’s all about Mexico, so I feel proud about it. I just do my thing.”

The man in charge of the other event, Dana White, also holds similar views and has nothing but respect for Alvarez. In his ‘love letter to Mexico,’ he plans to honor every fighter hailing from Mexico, and the former undisputed champion is also part of it. Interestingly, he will be the part of the movie that will be shown on the Sphere’s wraparound screen. However, Alvarez’s co-promoter thought it was all a gimmick.

Canelo Alvarez’s co-promoter shuns Dana White

Tom Brown, the President of TGB Promotions, who is co-promoting the event, recently threw shade at the UFC CEO for his event festivities for its promotions. Drawing parallels with the Alvarez vs. Berlanga bill, he said, “We don’t need movies and acts playing in between our fights. Having a Mexican superstar, a pound-for-pound great, and boxing’s biggest star today, Canelo Alvarez, headlining on Mexican Independence Day weekend. It just doesn’t get any bigger than that.”

While there is mutual respect between White and Alvarez, the PPV buys, live gate and the buzz of respective events will decide which event edges out the other. But whenever Alvarez and UFC have clashed, it’s the boxer, who has produced better numbers. But that could change this time around.

What do you make of these comments by Canelo Alvarez? Which event will you follow closely? Let us know in the comments below.