Canelo-Munguia goes head-to-head with UFC 301 By Zain Bando

It’s Cinco de Mayo Weekend, which means Canelo Alvarez will take center stage in Las Vegas, Nev., coinciding with UFC 301, which takes place in Brazil on Saturday night. It’s a rare case of boxing clashing with the UFC.

In the second episode of my newly launched show, Bando’s Breakdowns, I delve deeper into this intriguing clash between boxing and the UFC, offering unique insights and perspectives. This is a topic I've explored before, shedding light on its recurring nature.

Hardcore fans will watch both cards as the combined price is nearly $170. But, when it comes to the better card, it’s UFC 301. Not only does it feature many prospects, but it also features at least one Brazilian fighter across the entire card, headlined by a flyweight title fight between Alexandre Pantoja and Steve Erceg, who is only making his fourth UFC appearance. For Pantoja, this will be his second flyweight title defense and his first headliner on a pay-per-view.

This is a grand tradition for Alvarez, who competes against a young, hungry, and unbeaten Jaime Munguia for the WBC super lightweight title. Canelo is a draw almost everywhere, especially in Las Vegas, as he competes at least twice yearly.

Having two pay-per-views simultaneously will even be better for ESPN and DAZN, the top two combat-related streaming services that will make the fights easier to access than ever before. When Floyd Mayweather Jr. competed against the UFC in 2009, fans might have only had one option to purchase UFC or boxing, not both.

In 2024, with sports streaming becoming one of the main ways to watch various games and events, this is a new wave of content that people will have to get used to.

Also, something to remember is that Alvarez vs. Munguia will be accessible on cable and satellite providers, plus Amazon Prime, which is the service’s second venture into the boxing space thanks to PBC’s deal with Amazon Prime. The UFC pay-per-view, however, outside of bars and restaurants, will only be accessible through ESPN+, which requires a subscription of its own.

Regardless of which card you choose, do so wisely. The UFC begins at 6 p.m. ET/3 p.m. PT, and boxing begins at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT.