Joe Rogan Criticizes Zuckerberg at UFC 320 for Pereira ‘Shadow Ban’

During UFC 320, the exciting atmosphere at T-Mobile Arena was heightened by notable attendees, including Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg. Dressed casually in the front row, Zuckerberg’s early arrival caught the attention of fans and media alike. His presence led to a memorable moment on the broadcast, initiated by commentator Joe Rogan.

Joe Rogan’s Jab at Zuckerberg

As the cameras panned to Zuckerberg, Rogan delivered a humorous quip about UFC fighter Alex Pereira, saying, “Alex is probably asking why he’s shadow-banned.” This remark tapped into a broader conversation surrounding Meta’s social media policies and resonated with viewers online.

Zuckerberg’s Evolution in Martial Arts

Zuckerberg’s attendance isn’t merely that of an enthusiastic fan. Over recent years, he has transitioned from tech mogul to an avid martial arts practitioner. Training under elite coaches, Zuckerberg has participated in local jiu-jitsu tournaments and trained alongside prominent UFC athletes such as Alexander Volkanovski and Israel Adesanya.

UFC BJJ Initiatives

The UFC is increasingly embracing celebrity involvement in combat sports. UFC President Dana White announced a new initiative, UFC BJJ, aimed at integrating stars from various fields into the sport. White expressed enthusiasm about celebrities like Zuckerberg participating in jiu-jitsu competitions.

• UFC BJJ is a grappling-focused organization.
• White mentioned celebrities such as Mario Lopez and Tom Hardy as potential competitors.
• Mark Zuckerberg has already competed in jiu-jitsu tournaments.

Future Aspirations

White noted that if Zuckerberg continues his training, he could very well compete in UFC BJJ events. Since beginning his jiu-jitsu journey during the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, Zuckerberg has shown a sustained commitment to martial arts.

Partnerships Beyond the Mat

In a strategic move, Dana White joined Meta’s board of directors earlier this year, signifying a deeper relationship between Zuckerberg’s tech empire and the UFC. This partnership extends beyond social media; it includes a shared vision for the future of technology and sports.

The combination of Joe Rogan’s playful commentary and the evolving relationship between the UFC and Zuckerberg reflects a unique intersection of technology and combat sports. As Zuckerberg enhances his grappling skills, he may emerge as a noteworthy figure in the martial arts community.