Boxing promoters are trying to secure the first live event in The Sphere, a new Las Vegas venue, but UFC CEO Dana White dismisses their efforts, insisting that the UFC will be the first to host a fight there and claiming that boxing promoters lack the financial capability to do so.
Boxing promoters and UFC CEO Dana White are engaged in a competition to secure the first event at The Sphere, a brand new Las Vegas venue. White, who describes himself as “obsessed” with the LED-covered dome, has vowed that a Noche UFC event will be the inaugural fight promotion held there. In a post-fight press conference, he expressed his desire for the first live transmission from The Sphere to be a UFC event, citing September as a potential timeframe. White dismisses boxing promoters’ attempts to secure the spot, claiming they lack the financial resources and production capabilities to pull it off successfully.
Although White didn’t disclose the names of the promoters vying for the spot, he scoffed at the idea that former business partners turned rival promoters Oscar De La Hoya and Bob Arum might unite for an event at The Sphere. He questioned their ability to secure the financial backing necessary for such an undertaking and expressed skepticism about their willingness to invest in high-quality production. White firmly believes that no one can match the UFC’s expertise and production value, insisting that boxing events typically lack investment in production, replay availability, and undercard quality.
The UFC has a history of promoting events surrounding Mexican Independence Day and has traditionally held them at the T-Mobile Arena. White explained that a potential move to The Sphere would require modifications to the lighting setup, making September 2024 a suitable target date. He has been in constant communication with Madison Square Garden (MSG) executives since visiting the venue, tirelessly emphasizing his desire to host a groundbreaking combat sports event there. Despite boxing promoters reaching out to MSG, White remains confident that they lack the financial means to put on a successful event at The Sphere.
His unwavering determination was evident as he expressed his readiness to stage the greatest live combat sports event ever witnessed at The Sphere for Mexican Independence Day in September. White is fully committed to this endeavor and tirelessly pursues this goal with MSG executives, confident that the UFC’s unparalleled track record and resources will ultimately secure them the opportunity to headline at the new Las Vegas venue.