“What a Rip Off”: Fans Up in Arms As Canelo Alvarez vs. Edgar Berlanga PPV Price Revealed

Canelo Alvarez’s return to the ring on September 14, where he defends his unified titles against Edgar Berlanga, has generated significant excitement. The bout, featuring the storied Mexico vs. Puerto Rico rivalry, is set to take place at the T-Mobile Arena. However, the steep price for watching the fight via pay-per-view (PPV) is causing some backlash among fans.

According to TalkSports’ Michael Benson, the cost for the PPV in the USA will be $89.99. This figure is a continuation of the high pricing trend seen in Alvarez’s recent fights. Earlier this year, Alvarez’s bout against Jaime Munguia also carried the same price, with PPV buys estimated around 500k–550k. Fans are reacting strongly to the price, expressing their frustration and concern over the escalating costs.

The reaction to the PPV price has been mixed, with many fans voicing their displeasure:

Illegal Streaming Concerns: One fan noted that high PPV prices often lead to illegal streaming, pointing out that fights like Oleksandr Usyk vs. Tyson Fury also suffered from significant losses due to piracy. They said, “Then yall complain about illegal streaming after smh.”
Competing Events: Another user highlighted that the fight is scheduled on the same night as Noche UFC, which might split the combat sports audience. They speculated, “No one’s ordering this let’s be honest. UFC sphere is also that same night.”
Underwhelming Undercard: Some fans criticized the value of the PPV given the undercard’s lack of high-profile fights and the presence of aging fighters like Caleb Plant. A comment read, “Lmao what a rip off.”

Quality of Production: Despite the criticism, some fans praised the overall production quality of PBC events, noting that the fight card, production, and interviews are top-notch. A fan commented, “The fight card is solid and the overall production, fighter interviews, announcing teams, and the in-ring product will be better than any other promotion’s PPV. PBC wins again.”
Rising Costs: The rising costs of PPV events have been a common theme, with fans noting that prices have steadily increased. They pointed out that the recent Terence Crawford vs. Israil Madrimov fight cost $79.99, while Alvarez’s previous bouts were also on the pricier side. One fan remarked, “Fights are just getting more and more expensive.”

As Alvarez prepares to face Berlanga, the high PPV cost might influence viewership numbers. While the fight promises to be a thrilling clash, the financial barrier could impact how many fans choose to watch. The outcome of this bout, along with the fans’ response to the PPV pricing, will be closely watched in the lead-up to the event.