Oscar De La Hoya Proposes MMA Bout, Envisions Co-Headlining with Dana White Amidst Ryan Garcia’s UFC Challenge to Sean O’Malley

In a surprising turn of events, Oscar De La Hoya, the boxing legend turned promoter, has floated the idea of an MMA bout between himself and UFC president Dana White.

This proposal comes on the heels of De La Hoya’s client, Ryan Garcia, expressing his desire to face UFC bantamweight champion Sean O’Malley in the Octagon.

De La Hoya sees this as an opportunity for Garcia and O’Malley to headline a significant event, positioning himself and White as the rightful co-headliners.

Despite the historical tensions between De La Hoya and White, the Golden Boy promoter believes they are ‘cool’ and open to the idea.

De La Hoya’s MMA Bout Proposal:

Oscar De La Hoya presented his MMA bout idea during an appearance on the MMA Hour, suggesting a co-headlining scenario with Dana White.

Despite skepticism from host Ariel Helwani, who highlighted the history of animosity between the two, De La Hoya insisted that he and White are on good terms.

Acknowledging White’s public expression of wanting to bury the hatchet, De La Hoya remained open to the possibility of going head-to-head with the UFC president, maintaining a playful yet competitive stance.

Ryan Garcia’s UFC Challenge to Sean O’Malley:

The roots of this proposal trace back to Ryan Garcia’s public plea for Dana White to arrange a UFC match between him and Sean O’Malley.

Garcia, a high-profile boxer, voiced his interest in stepping into the Octagon against the UFC bantamweight king, O’Malley, provided the financial terms were agreeable.

This unique crossover challenge emerged during the buildup to Garcia’s upcoming boxing match against Devin Haney on April 20. O’Malley, however, is currently gearing up for his first title defense against Marlon ‘Chito’ Vera at UFC 299 on March 9.

De La Hoya’s Assessment of O’Malley:

While De La Hoya plays a pivotal role in Garcia’s endeavors, he didn’t shy away from acknowledging Sean O’Malley’s talent during the interview.

Expressing admiration for O’Malley’s striking abilities, De La Hoya recognized the UFC star as a formidable force in the world of mixed martial arts.

This balanced perspective adds an interesting layer to the narrative, showcasing De La Hoya’s appreciation for O’Malley’s skills even as his fighter, Garcia, eyes a potential clash in the Octagon.

Navigating the Tensions Between De La Hoya and White:

Given the historical tension between De La Hoya and Dana White, host Ariel Helwani raised concerns about the feasibility of the proposed co-headlining event.

While De La Hoya claimed that he and White are ‘cool,’ Helwani pointed out their lack of communication, prompting a playful yet competitive response from the Golden Boy promoter.

The prospect of these two influential figures sharing the spotlight adds an intriguing dynamic to the potential event, showcasing the intersection of boxing and MMA on a grand stage.

Garcia’s Confident Stand and O’Malley’s Response:

Amidst the banter and proposals, Ryan Garcia reiterated his confidence in defeating Sean O’Malley in an MMA showdown.

Taking to social media, Garcia emphasized his belief in securing victory and challenged Dana White to ‘cut that real check.’ O’Malley, on the other hand, responded assertively, promising to ‘kill’ Garcia within minutes in the Octagon.

The verbal exchange between the two fighters adds an element of anticipation to the proposed matchup, fueling speculation about the potential crossover event.