Ex-UFC Star Doesn’t Buy Hype Around Mark Zuckerberg’s Fighting Ability Despite Praise from Dana White

Jorge Masvidal highlights UFC CEO Dana White's unnecessary and over exaggerated praise for Mark Zuckberg's fighting.

Ex-UFC Star Doesn’t Buy Hype Around Mark Zuckerberg’s Fighting Ability Despite Praise from Dana White

Jorge Masvidal diminishes Mark Zuckerberg's praise from Dana White (via MMA Fighting)

In Short
  • Dana White has praised Mark Zuckerberg's dedication to martial arts training, despite skepticism from former UFC star Jorge Masvidal.
  • Zuckerberg has competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, winning medals in local tournaments in 2023.
  • Dana White is exploring a potential fight between Zuckerberg and Elon Musk, although it has not materialized.

UFC CEO Dana White is widely recognized for his harsh criticism and high standards in combat sports. However, that approach has softened when discussing Mark Zuckerberg’s fighting development and progress. White has consistently praised Zuckerberg’s dedication and discipline in martial arts training. Former UFC star Jorge Masvidal, however, recently appeared uncertain about that continued praise.

Zuckerberg has competed in Brazilian jiu-jitsu, earning medals in local tournaments in 2023 in both gi and no-gi divisions. He has trained with established coaches and professional fighters in structured settings and remains active in grappling environments. His relationship with the UFC CEO has strengthened through shared involvement in UFC events and collaborations within combat sports circles.

White has repeatedly spoken highly of the Meta founder’s fighting prowess, emphasizing his discipline and commitment to improvement. He has also pushed back against public skepticism, pointing to Zuckerberg’s consistent training schedule and competitive mindset. However, that steady praise recently drew a response from Masvidal, who reacted to a video of ‘Zuck’ sparring with UFC champ Alex Pereira.

Zuckerberg looks like someone who fixes computers and s**t. You get some construction worker or some Latin dude that just got out of jail, I would be careful Dana, you got a deal.

Jorge Masvidal via Death Row MMA

Masvidal has been out of the UFC since his final bout against Gilbert Burns. Once one of the promotion’s biggest stars, he headlined major pay-per-view events and challenged for the welterweight title. He recently expressed interest in returning for the proposed UFC White House event. However, White dismissed the possibility of ‘Gamebred’ competing at the historic event slated for June 14th.

White was heavily involved in discussions about a potential fight between Zuckerberg and Tesla CEO Elon Musk. He publicly backed the idea and explored organizing it under an official promotional structure. White was particularly vocal about attempting to stage the bout at the Colosseum in Rome, citing the venue’s historic appeal. Despite widespread attention and preliminary talks, the fight ultimately never materialized.

In addition to supporting Zuckerberg’s involvement in combat sports, Dana White has also partnered with Meta to help develop an AI-driven UFC ranking system. The deal introduces a more data-based structure for evaluating fighters across divisions. While that strengthens White’s professional ties with the Meta founder, Jorge Masvidal’s recent remarks were aimed strictly at Zuckerberg’s fighting abilities.

Dana White makes a major claim regarding the upcoming UFC White House event

The UFC has hosted major events worldwide at iconic venues such as Madison Square Garden and the Las Vegas Sphere. The promotion has consistently targeted large-scale arenas to elevate its global presence. However, UFC CEO Dana White is now pushing that ambition further, with the upcoming June 14th UFC White House event being built up as the organization’s next major milestone in MMA history.

Dana White denies making UFC fights
Dana White denies making UFC fights as he used to (via X)

Both Dana White and US President Donald Trump have been directly involved in overseeing the logistics and planning of the proposed event. White has stated that attendance will be capped at around 5,000, with approximately 85,000 more positioned on the Ellipse lawn. Those projections have led the UFC CEO to highlight the unprecedented scale and viewership expectations surrounding the card.

We believe this is going to be the most-watched UFC event ever. It’s going to be the most unique and amazing night of our entire careers. This is something real special and a a one of one night and you know when we promise to do something special I deliver and I like to deliver big.

Dana White via CBS Sports

Dana White has stated that the finalized fight lineup is expected to be completed by the end of this week.
The White House event is being slated as one of the biggest undertakings in UFC history, combining an unprecedented venue with projected record-setting attendance. Its scale and national platform distinguish it from any prior card staged by the promotion.

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