The much-anticipated cage match pitting tech heavyweights Mark Zuckerberg against Elon Musk has turned out to be more smoke than fire. The hype surrounding the prospective fight gained momentum as both Zuckerberg and Musk engaged in online exchanges that suggested their willingness to engage.
Musk, the CEO of X, formerly known as Twitter, hinted at an upper back injury and the possibility of needing surgery. Meanwhile, Zuckerberg proposed a fight date of August 26th, generating anticipation among their followers. Both Zuckerberg and Musk possess backgrounds in jiu-jitsu, hinting at a potential MMA-style duel rather than a traditional boxing match.
However, following an MRI, it appears there is no need for surgery, with Musk tweeting the cage match needs to be held at an “epic location.”
He even reached out to Italy’s culture minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano to get permission to host the fight at Rome’s Colosseum. “I had a long and friendly phone conversation with Elon Musk,” Sangiuliano said.
“We talked about the common passion for the history of ancient Rome. We are discussing how to organize a great charity and historical evocation event, in full respect of the sites. It will not,” however, “be held in Rome.”
Regardless of location, Musk insisted that the fight would livestream on his platform and on Zuckerberg’s rival “Threads.” “Everything in the camera frame will be ancient Rome, so nothing modern at all.” Nevertheless, Musk reaffirmed his dedication to the match through a X post last Friday.
Unfortunately, Musk’s enthusiasm was overshadowed by skepticism, as Zuckerberg and the press accused him of balking at the challenge. Zuckerberg vented his frustration on Threads, asserting his readiness to fight, urging Musk to confirm a date. Musk’s response, or lack thereof, prompted Zuckerberg to take action.
Over the weekend Zuckerberg claimed Musk had “chickened out,” stating:
“ I’ve been ready to fight since the day Elon challenged me… Elon won’t confirm a date, then says he needs surgery, and now asks to do a practice round in my backyard instead. If Elon ever gets serious about a real date and official event, he knows how to reach me. Otherwise, time to move on. I’m going to focus on competing with people who take the sport seriously.”
the Zuck-Elon fight ain’t happening. pic.twitter.com/NNqkuKFHFf
— Teddy Schleifer (@teddyschleifer) August 13, 2023
In the end, what could have been a monumental showdown between two tech juggernauts devolved into a series of unfulfilled promises and accusations. For now, the curtain has fallen on the Zuckerberg vs. Musk MMA spectacle, leaving us with a glimpse of what might have been.
