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Joe Rogan didn’t hold back about the Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 announcement. The legendary UFC commentator called the long-awaited rematch absolutely “crazy” after learning both fighters are pushing 50 years old. His blunt assessment reveals deeper concerns about why Floyd Mayweather is ending his retirement right now.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Fight Date: September 19, 2026 at the Las Vegas Sphere, steamed on Netflix
- Original Bout: May 2015, generating over $600 million in total revenue
- Rogan’s Take: Joe Rogan believes financial desperation is fueling Mayweather’s return
- Rematch Timing: 11 years since their first historic clash
Rogan Calls It Crazy, But He’s Still Watching
Joe Rogan openly discussed his reaction during his recent podcast, expressing simultaneous skepticism and interest. The UFC commentator stated clearly: “Now they’re gonna do it again and they’re both 50, it’s crazy.” Yet despite calling the situation insane, Rogan admitted he absolutely plans to tune in when the legendary fighters step into the ring. His conflicted take perfectly captures boxing fan sentiment right now.
The rematch announcement shocked the combat sports world after Mayweather announced his professional return just days before Netflix confirmed the September date. Rogan also expressed amazement about Mayweather’s planned Mike Tyson exhibition before the Pacquiao fight, calling that equally crazy. The sheer audacity of fighting two boxing legends in one calendar year fascinates and bewilders him.
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Following Money, Not Glory
Rogan believes Mayweather’s desperate financial situation is the real story here. The UFC personalities pointed to recent court battles revealing that Mayweather owes unpaid rent and damages on a leased Manhattan penthouse worth $24 million. Despite earning more money than virtually any boxer in history, the “Money” fighter continues facing serious legal troubles over outstanding debts and unpaid bills.
Rogan emphasized the obvious truth: “Look at Floyd, Floyd spends money like it’s a tap, like he’s got a tap with unlimited amount of money.” He continued, “And even as much money as he’s made in his career, which he’s probably made as much if not more than any boxer ever, there’s all these lawsuits. He hasn’t been paying things.” This reality check cuts through the excitement surrounding the rematch, exposing financial motivation rather than athletic redemption.
The First Fight Set an Impossible Standard
Back in May 2015, Mayweather defeated Pacquiao by unanimous decision in what became the most successful combat sports fight ever. The bout generated unprecedented revenue, breaking both pay-per-view records and gate records simultaneously. Mayweather reportedly earned between $220-$250 million while Pacquiao took home $120-$150 million, reshaping boxing economics forever.
However, that legendary 2015 fight already seemed disappointing to many fans who felt the classic didn’t deliver on its massive hype. Now repeating the matchup 11 years later, with both fighters significantly older and slower, presents a massive challenge. Rogan recognizes that time has clearly passed both warriors, making their return feel more mercenary than necessary.
Pacquiao Forced Mayweather’s Hand
Initially, Mayweather attempted to arrange an exhibition fight against Pacquiao, seeking a less risky way to earn big money while protecting his legendary 50-0 professional record. However, the 47-year-old “Pac Man” rejected this approach entirely, demanding a professional bout instead. Pacquiao’s reasoning revealed his competitive fire: he wants to finally become Mayweather’s only professional loss, haunting the boxing legend forever.
Rogan understands the significance of Pacquiao’s refusal to settle for an exhibition. This professional rematch puts Mayweather’s undefeated record directly on the line, eliminating the exhibition safety net. The Las Vegas Sphere venue choice and Netflix global streaming guarantee massive viewership and inevitable financial success regardless of fight quality, justifying Rogan’s skepticism about the whole affair.
Will This Rematch Finally Settle Their Rivalry?
The original May 2015 clash left many fans unsatisfied, with critics arguing Mayweather played it safe defensively rather than delivering an engaging fight. By September 2026, both warriors will be closer to retirement age than peak performance, raising serious questions about what fans can realistically expect. Will Pacquiao’s speed and combinations overcome age, or does Mayweather’s defensive mastery still reign supreme after more than a decade away from professional competition?
Joe Rogan’s “crazy” assessment cuts to the heart of this historical rematch. While the financial motivation is transparent and potentially off-putting to purists, the sporting intrigue remains undeniable. Whether driven by money, legacy, or genuine unfinished business, Mayweather vs Pacquiao 2 will absolutely attract massive audiences when it finally happens at the iconic Las Vegas venue this September.
Sources
- Bloody Elbow – Joe Rogan’s reaction and analysis of Mayweather’s financial situation fueling the rematch
- ESPN – Official confirmation of September 19, 2026 rematch date and Netflix streaming details
- Netflix – Historic first professional boxing match at the Las Vegas Sphere venue announcement
