Dana White has a unique insight into the Floyd Mayweather vs Manny Pacquiao rematch announced for September this year.
The two boxing icons face off 11 years on from their first encounter, which Mayweather won via unanimous decision, both now within touching distance of 50.
Though many fans doubt the level of the action warrants much excitement, the event headlining the first boxing card at The Sphere in Las Vegas, paired with nostalgia, may prove reason enough to tune in.
Speaking at the post-fight press conference for Zuffa Boxing 04, which saw Jai Opetaia beat Brandon Glanton for the promotion’s inaugural cruiserweight title, White was asked if he had any advice for an event at The Sphere.
“Who’s promoting? S**t. Wonder who’s paying for production. They’re in for a big surprise. It is incredibly expensive. Interesting. They better call somebody.”
Mayweather-Pacquiao 2 will be helmed by Manny Pacquiao Promotions and has significant backing from Netflix.
White staged UFC 306, headlined by Merab Dvalishvili’s victory over Sean O’Malley for the bantamweight world title, in September 2024 at the futuristic venue. The event, branded ‘Noche UFC’ to coincide with Mexican Independence Day weekend, was the first live sporting show held there and produced a record gate for the promotion.
Shortly after the event, the UFC and Zuffa promoter said:
“When you see what we did at the Sphere it’s just like, I don’t know if that will ever be done again. We spent over $20 million on it and it was a one of one and it was a f***ing amazing night. If my production team doesn’t win every f***ing award that exists in production, all the awards are full of s**t.
It seems a fitting location for this upcoming rematch, which, while professionally sanctioned, is more about spectacle than sporting merit. Few match-ups in the sport could justify the scale of what’s required. Even in 2026, Mayweather and Pacquiao fit the bill.
