Pulling off two of combat sports’ biggest spectacles on the same night is the kind of gamble only UFC CEO Dana White could attempt—and deliver. On September 13, fans witnessed an unprecedented doubleheader: UFC Noche in Texas and Canelo Alvarez vs. Terence Crawford in Las Vegas. Though separated by more than 1,200 miles, the two events combined to define the night. In San Antonio, UFC Noche returned for its third installment, honoring Mexican Independence Day week inside the Frost Bank Center. Diego Lopes vs. Jean Silva, a pivotal featherweight showdown, headlined the card.

Meanwhile, at Allegiant Stadium, boxing took the spotlight in a massive Riyadh Season–Zuffa Boxing collaboration. Despite Dana White’s long-standing distaste for stadium shows, the venue hosted one of the most significant fight nights in recent memory. Inside the cage, Diego Lopes halted Jean Silva’s rise, handing him his first UFC loss. Across state lines, Terence Crawford shocked the world, outclassing Canelo Alvarez and handing the Mexican superstar the third defeat of his storied career.

Here’s a closer look at how September 13 became a night to remember.

Diego Lopes delivers highlight-reel spinning elbow KO on Jean Silva

“I’m standing at high level. I proved it tonight,” Diego Lopes declared after delivering a career-redefining performance at Noche UFC in San Antonio. The Mexican stormed back into the win column Saturday night, finishing Jean Silva in a wild featherweight headliner. Right from the opening bell, Lopes (27-7) wasted no motion. He dragged Silva to the mat, quickly secured mount, and poured on elbows that carved up the Brazilian’s face. Silva somehow survived nearly two minutes under fire, scrambling out and buying himself another round.

Even so, that grit gave way to hope in Round 2. Jean Silva, unbeaten in 13 straight, came forward with confidence, cracking Lopes with heavy punches that had the crowd on edge. However, as ‘Lord’ pressed the attack, Diego Lopes flipped the script with one violent spin. A crushing elbow landed flush, dropping Silva flat. Moments later, a swarm of unanswered punches forced referee Mike Beltran to wave it off at 4:48. Afterward, bloodied and rattled, Silva (16-3) shoved the Mexican standout before exiting the Octagon.

As a result, the loss halts Jean Silva’s perfect UFC run and adds more frustration for the Fighting Nerds camp, which has now stumbled in back-to-back main events. For Diego Lopes, the finish was more than just a win—it was redemption. After his April title loss to Alexander Volkanovski, the Mexican featherweight reminded fans he’s still one of the division’s most dangerous threats. Already sitting at No. 2 in the rankings, Lopes may need just one more test before punching his ticket to another title shot.

Canelo Alvarez stunned as Terence Crawford pulls off the year’s biggest upset

No one expected Terence Crawford to steal the spotlight on Saturday, but that’s exactly what the Omaha native did. In a masterclass of skill and timing, ‘Bud’ dethroned fan favorite Canelo Álvarez, leaving the boxing world in awe and further cementing his place among the sport’s elite. Already the first male fighter in the four-belt era to hold undisputed titles in two weight classes, Crawford made history again, becoming the first boxer to claim undisputed championships in three divisions.

He jumped up 14 pounds and two weight classes to topple Alvarez (63-3-2, 39 KOs), arguably the face of boxing today. “I told y’all, I’m not here just by coincidence,” Terence Crawford said post-fight. “God blessed me. He made this event, and he made this night just for me. I’ve been telling y’all that.” From the opening bell, ‘Bud’ showcased why he’s one of boxing’s most dangerous fighters. A switch-hitter fighting entirely from southpaw, he dictated the pace with crisp jabs, sharp combinations, and punishing counter lefts.

Álvarez attacked the body and shifted levels early, but Terence Crawford absorbed every shot with calm precision, refusing to let the bigger man’s power shake him. The first four rounds were a chess match. Canelo Alvarez found some success in Round 5, but the Nebraska star flipped the script in Round 6. After working inside, he landed a devastating hook to Álvarez’s chin, forcing the champion back and earning his respect in the process.

With both historic fight nights now behind us, the question remains: which event stole the spotlight—UFC or boxing? Fans were faced with an almost impossible choice, and the debate over which showdown reigned supreme is bound to continue. Share your thoughts below.