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Dana White: Mayweather and Pacquiao event ‘in for a big surprise’

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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.

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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:

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“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.

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What signing with Buccaneers means for RB’s production

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Kenneth Gainwell has every reason to buy a new pair of sunglasses because the running back has left the Pittsburgh Steelers for the sunny Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Gainwell’s move has shaken up Tampa Bay’s backfield,

According to Ian Rapoport in a Monday report, Gainwell is set to earn $14 million over the next two years. The investment is significant for Tampa Bay, but how much should you commit to the back in the fantasy football draft later this year? Here’s an early idea of what to expect.

Should you draft Buccaneers RB Kenneth Gainwell in 2026?

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Kenneth Gainwell is heading to a backfield with Bucky Irving and Rachaad White. As such, expect a committee situation, which is bad news for fantasy football. Still, Gainwell took part in a committee situation in 2025 and became a quality fantasy football back. This time around could be the same result. Put simply, a draft pick is worthy of Gainwell’s name in 2026.

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Kenneth Gainwell fantasy outlook in 2026

The back nearly doubled his production from scrimmage in 2025 compared to any other year in his career. As such, with Bucky Irving’s production not looking anything like what it did in 2024, there’s a decent chance that Gainwell could steal the starting job from Irving at some point this season.

Expect somewhere shy of 1,000 yards if Irving stays healthy in 2026. However, if Irving’s injury troubles return, Gainwell could easily pass the 1,000-yard mark in 2026 with the ability to rush and catch the football.

Is Kenneth Gainwell a good pick in fantasy football this year?

The Buccaneers running back is a decent option this season as long as you don’t expect massive RB1-level production in September. He could be a set-and-forget option as the year drags on, but don’t expect instant success. Even if he wins the starting job, he is going to need to balance Rachaad White and Irving.

Read More: Travis Etienne Jr. Replacements: 5 RBs Jaguars should target in free agency ft. Kenneth Walker III

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Read More: NFL Free agency: Ranking top running backs available for 2026 season

Where should you draft Kenneth Gainwell this year?

The new Tampa Bay Buccaneers back makes a ton of sense between the third and fifth round. He isn’t worth spending a top pick on, but thrifty managers could go a long way toward winning their leagues if they get Gainwell on the cheap.