Oscar De La Hoya says he will probably continue promoting MMA, tells free agents to call him

This Saturday, long-time boxing promoter Oscar De La Hoya will promote his first MMA show under the Golden Boy MMA banner. The card will be topped by a rematch between UFC Hall of Famers Chuck Liddell and Tito Ortiz (watch it here).

Initially, Oscar De La Hoya was noncommittal on his future as an MMA promoter. More recently, however, his tune seems to be changing.

“It’s been wonderful, it’s been great,” he told MMAWeekly on Tuesday, speaking of the experience of promoting MMA. “Being in the boxing business practically all my life, I really see no differences in terms of promoting a fight. The difference is, which I believe I’ve never done in boxing, I’m promoting arguably two of the most recognized MMA fighters on the planet in Tito Ortiz and Chuck Liddell.

“They promote themselves basically. They’ve been pioneers for the sport for so long. When I think about MMA, I think about Tito and Chuck. It’s been a fun a ride.”

Having had a ‘fun ride’ with Liddell and Ortiz, Oscar De La Hoya is now inclined to continue promoting MMA.

“The way things are looking, I strongly feel I will,” De La Hoya stated when asked if he would promote more MMA events. “The promotion has been going great. Ticket sales are outstanding. I don’t have an indication on what the pay-per-views will do but as far as I’m concerned, the fighters have already won. We have already won.

If he does continue to promote MMA fights, Oscar De La Hoya encourages any ‘big stars’ that also happen to be free agents to get in touch with him.

“If there’s an MMA fighter out there who is a free agent and he’s a big star in the sport or even top 50, give me a call,” he said. “We are right here. We are willing. We are ready. This is my passion. Combat sports is my passion. I’ve learned over the years whether you’re in the Octagon or you’re in the ring, you’re a fighter and I promote fighting. I promote boxing. I promote MMA now.

“If you’re a free agent, give me a call.”

This article first appeared on BJPENN.COM on 11/21/2018.