In the world of combat sports, Canelo Alvarez stands as a towering figure, often lauded by many, including UFC CEO Dana White. Alvarez himself has shown respect for mixed martial arts and the athletes in the UFC. There’s been ongoing speculation that the Mexican boxer might step into the MMA arena, stirring excitement among fans and commentators alike.
At UFC Mexico City’s post-fight press conference on February 24, 2024, a reporter inquired about the possibility of a cross-promotional event featuring Alvarez and a UFC fighter. The question, translated for the audience, left open whether the bout would follow boxing or MMA rules. Dana White engaged with the idea, playfully asking the press which UFC fighter they’d want to see go up against Alvarez. This interaction came amidst buzz surrounding an upcoming lightweight bout between Justin Gaethje and Max Holloway, with the winner claiming the BMF title at UFC 300 on April 13, 2024. The reporter suggested that Alvarez could face the victor in a crossover event, blending the worlds of MMA and boxing.
White, however, seemed skeptical about the crossover’s appeal, questioning the press room’s interest and finding minimal support. His response indicated that such a matchup might not draw the attention some might expect. Despite this, the conversation around potential crossover fights continues to intrigue the fight community.
Alvarez, who holds multiple super middleweight titles, is coming off a win over Jermell Charlo in September 2023. He’s slated to return to the ring on May 4, 2024, with potential opponents being Jaime Munguia or Jermall Charlo, though no official announcement has been made. As he continues to dominate in boxing, the idea of him crossing over to MMA remains a tantalizing ‘what if’ for fans around the world.
In early 2022, UFC welterweight champion Kamaru Usman expressed a strong desire to face Alvarez in the boxing ring. Alvarez, while not dismissing the idea, maintained that his focus was on his boxing legacy, leaving the door open for future possibilities. As both athletes continue to excel in their respective sports, the prospect of them meeting in the ring adds an exciting dimension to the combat sports narrative.
