Eddie Hearn weighs in on the UFC 306 vs Canelo Alvarez fight debate

For the past week, much of the fight world has been debating which show, Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga or the UFC 306 PPV, will dominate the news on Sunday morning.

But despite the arguments from both sides, Eddie Hearn believes fans are missing the bigger picture. He told The Schmo how incredibly rare it is to see two such incredible cards dealt on the same night.

“I just find it really weird how people are so obsessed with the business… I mean, it’s great that they’re passionate, but then you also have people sitting on seating charts and counting seats, how many are left and things like that.

“Two great events, two different sports, two different audiences – yes, there is a crossover – but just celebrate it, you know? The event at The Sphere is going to be great, this is going to be a great fight and atmosphere for the biggest star in combat sports in Canelo Alvarez.”

The message from the best promoter in boxing is actually quite simple: “Enjoy it – you have a choice” between two great shows.

“You have Walgreens (pharmacy), or you have CVS; take your pick, two great stores.”

Hearn is absolutely right when he says that there are some great fights coming up this weekend, whether you are a boxing or MMA fanatic. However, there is another showdown that fans are eagerly awaiting.

Former world champion and divisive promoter Oscar De La Hoya will make a surprise appearance at UFC 306, and not for the fight against Canelo Alvarez, thanks to the man who bankrolls the MMA spectacle, Turki Alalshikh.

“I don’t know (about that), but one thing is for sure: Dana is not going to cooperate,” said Hearn, who noted that it is unlikely the UFC president will try to quell their feud just because the GEA chairman is present.

“Dana White can’t stand Oscar De La Hoya, and I don’t think he’s going to play just to play favoritism. Oscar has a lot to say, and he’s obsessed with Canelo Alvarez, he just needs to let it go, like Elsa said (in Frozen).

“Just cleanse your soul and let the toxicity be removed from your life and just keep smiling.”

Sean O’Malley Believes UFC 306 Will Draw Better Numbers Than Canelo vs Berlanga

Eddie Hearn hopes fight fans can enjoy both events this weekend, but the UFC’s most important man of the moment has a very different opinion on which show will make headlines.

“I believe the numbers for the UFC and us will be better that night,” Sean O’Malley told the First Take team earlier this week.

“I believe that Sunday-Monday, that week, it’s all about the Suga Show. I’m defending my title, the bantamweight champion fighting the number one (who is on a) 10-fight win streak in the UFC, the best and biggest platform in MMA sports.”

It’s safe to say that O’Malley is not impressed that the boxing event is being seen as an alternative to the UFC bonanza of Noche. In fact, he claims to have forgotten who he was supposed to be fighting.

“Canelo’s fighting a guy — I know you told me his name the other day and I forgot it — Yeah, (Edgar) Burrito… I think the UFC’s going to crush it.”

UFC 306: O’Malley vs Dvalishvili and Canelo Alvarez vs Edgar Berlanga both take place this weekend, September 14, live from Las Vegas.

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