The epic showdown between business tycoons Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg is generating buzz as a potential cage match event. The battle is anticipated to take place at the UFC Apex arena in Enterprise, Nevada, USA.
The feud ignited when Musk acquired Twitter in October 2022 and tensions flared with Zuckerberg following reports of Instagram’s plans to rival Twitter. Musk boldly challenged Zuckerberg to a cage match, an offer that Zuckerberg promptly accepted. Dana White, the President of the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC), confirmed the seriousness of both contenders. Amidst the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, Zuckerberg embarked on rigorous training in mixed martial arts and Brazilian jiu-jitsu, even participating in a tournament in May 2023. Professional boxers have extended training invitations to both Musk and Zuckerberg.
The spectacle of this match unfolds against the backdrop of Zuckerberg’s evolving public image, particularly following the Facebook–Cambridge Analytica data scandal. Pundits, fight sport commentators, and sportsbooks have given an edge to Zuckerberg due to his agility and endurance.
However, recent developments suggest uncertainty. In a town hall meeting on July 27, 2023, Zuckerberg expressed uncertainty about the match’s realization, as reported by Reuters. Nevertheless, Musk refuted this claim on August 5 through a series of tweets, asserting his commitment to intense preparation for the battle. Musk declared that the event’s proceeds would contribute to a veterans’ charity and announced plans to stream the fight on Twitter. Zuckerberg, on the same day, expressed his readiness for the duel and proposed a different streaming platform to maximize charitable contributions. While Zuckerberg suggested a possible fight date of August 26, Musk has not confirmed this date himself.
Musk has humorously shared his strategy, humorously referred to as “The Walrus,” in which he envisions leveraging his weight advantage to dominate Zuckerberg.
The designated venue for the battle is the UFC Apex in Enterprise, Nevada, though Musk playfully suggested a shift to the historic Colosseum in Rome, Italy, citing a scene from Monty Python’s Life of Brian (1979). The Italian Minister of Culture, Gennaro Sangiuliano, and both Musk and Zuckerberg showed interest in the idea. However, the Colosseum’s limitations have prompted a denial of the invitation from the Ministry of Culture, insisting on a non-violent event if held there.
The path leading to this monumental duel began with a social media challenge from Musk to Zuckerberg, followed by confirmations and negotiations. UFC President Dana White has played a pivotal role in coordinating the event, engaging with both Musk and Zuckerberg to arrange the showdown. While the outcome remains uncertain, the framework of the event is gradually taking shape.
This clash of tech moguls, if materialized, promises to be a rare spectacle in the realm of the tech industry, transcending typical rivalries to encompass physical combat. The potential match between the billionaire innovators, Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg, captures global attention and intrigue, marking an unprecedented chapter in their competitive history.
