“When @merab.dvalishvili is in town and asking for some tune-up rounds, that’s a way to start your day,” Zuckerberg shared of how the viral sparring session went. “Let’s go,” the 21-5-0 MMA star offered as the pair touched and tossed gloves. You didn’t need virtual sunglasses to appreciate these images!
When did Mark Zuckerberg start MMA?
Although not yet officially competing in MMA, the Meta mogul shocked the world when he switched to Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu and even won a tournament in the 149-pound division in 2023. After the win, his coach Dave Camarillo told ESPN that Zuckerberg was “great”, adding: “He’s an extremely hard worker, as everyone knows. But a lot of people have businesses and they’re successful and they have that side of their life, and they rarely delve into the physical side, especially with something like jiu-jitsu and MMA, and have just as much success or even go beyond day 1 or month 1. He’s not that kind of guy. I think he has a good balance between what he does with his business and what he does in the physical world.” And he excels. He is one of the best students I have ever had.
About his passion for MMA, Zuckerberg told Joe Rogan that he fell in love instantly. “From the very first session I did, about five minutes in, I thought, ‘Where has this been all my life?’” he explained.
Mark Zuckerberg mixes it up with the greats of MMA
Whether he participates in boxing Alex Pereira or training with five-time world jiu-jitsu champion, Marcelo Garcia, Zuckerberg likes to get physical, so it was no surprise when he stepped into the cage with Dvalishvili, who is expected to complete his trilogy with Din Thomas in the near future.
During the Instagram reel shared by both men, Zuckerberg seemed relaxed as he landed a few strikes against The Machine, withstood some punches and even defeated the former bantamweight champion. From then on, however, Zuck succumbed to his more powerful opponent, leaving him trapped under his much more experienced rival. Of course, the rough stuff was all in good fun, and Zuckerberg’s willingness to get out of his comfort zone and enter the Octagon impressed many. “You look great there!” said fellow tech Melinda Davenport. “Way to keep up with that machine!” added another impressed IG follower. This leads to the most important question of all. “Zuck, will we see you in the UFC soon?” one user asked, on behalf of all social media.
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