What initially appeared to be a joke between two tech giants seems to be closer to reality as X owner Elon Musk and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg have decided to stream their proposed mixed martial arts bout on the former’s platform, according to Musk.
On Sunday, the 52-year-old Musk tweeted about his preparation for the fight stating he has “been lifting weights throughout the day,” before announcing where fans could watch, adding that “all proceeds will go to charity for veterans.”
Am lifting weights throughout the day, preparing for the fight.
— Elon Musk (@elonmusk) August 6, 2023
Don’t have time to work out, so I just bring them to work.
The talk is in direct contradiction to an ABC report where Musk admitted that he may have to undergo surgery before anything can be finalized later on the same day.
This declaration was met with some pushback from Zuckerberg, who took to his newly launched X competitor, Threads to critique the suggestion.
“Shouldn’t we use a more reliable platform that can actually raise money for charity?” He asks, “I’m ready today. I suggested Aug 26 when (Musk) first challenged, but he hasn’t confirmed. Not holding my breath.”
While the pair of billionaires haven’t given much-detailed information about their anticipated fight, since the idea was brought up in June, it has been the talk of the MMA world.
UFC President Dana White, who closed off the Apex Center in Las Vegas from fans and media to give Zuckerberg his own private audience for UFC Fight Night 211 last October, has offered his services as a promoter.
“This would be the biggest fight ever in history of the world,” says White, according to a report from MMA Junkie. Notable fighters, such as Jon Jones and Georges St. Pierre, have also volunteered to train the men.
Both Musk and Zuckerberg are no strangers to martial arts. Musk has trained in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and recently earned the praise of podcaster and black belt Lex Fridman after a training session, according to talkSPORT.
Business Insider reported that Zuckerberg recently earned his BJJ blue belt and won two medals in his first competition.
