Zuckerberg Spars with Pereira; Viral Clips Spark Mockery

Mark Zuckerberg recently sparred with UFC light heavyweight champion Alex Pereira at Cruz Mixed Martial Arts Academy in Nutley, New Jersey, and Pereira posted clips of the session that went viral showing Zuckerberg executing a takedown during a grappling exchange. The footage prompted widespread mockery and skepticism online, with many suggesting Pereira deliberately held back, though some fighters and commentators praised Zuckerberg’s technique and stamina. The session was led by coach Plinio Cruz shortly after Pereira’s UFC 320 win, and Zuckerberg, 41, has trained in MMA and Brazilian jiu-jitsu for years, claimed medals in 2023, and appears recovered from a 2023 knee injury. He has previously worked with UFC stars such as Israel Adesanya and Alexander Volkanovski and has a friendship with UFC CEO Dana White, who has suggested Zuckerberg could compete in UFC BJJ events. The viral clips have reignited memes and debate about the prospect of a celebrity bout while highlighting the unusual sight of a tech billionaire training with elite fighters.