For years, many MMA fans assumed the proposed fight between Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg was nothing more than social media hype.
According to UFC CEO Dana White, however, the negotiations were very real.
Speaking after UFC Vegas 119, White revealed that he personally spent two weeks negotiating the blockbuster matchup, with both billionaires hoping to stage the event inside one of the world’s most iconic landmarks, the Colosseum in Rome.
Ultimately, one staggering price tag ended the dream before contracts could be finalized.
Dana White Says the Fight Was “Real”
Asked whether the UFC could one day host an event at the Colosseum, White surprised reporters by revisiting the famous Musk vs. Zuckerberg negotiations.
“I was negotiating the deal with Zuckerberg and Musk. That was real.”
White explained that he spent roughly two weeks working on the fight and said both men wanted the historic Roman amphitheater to host the event.
Why Didn’t Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg Fight?
According to White, the biggest obstacle wasn’t convincing either billionaire to compete.
Instead, it was the venue.
White said the Colosseum required approximately $150 million to host the event.
Rather than functioning as a standard venue rental fee, the money would have gone toward a fund dedicated to restoring Italy’s historic landmarks.
“The Colosseum wanted something like $150 million,” White explained.
He added that the event could still theoretically happen if someone were willing to fund it.
Were Musk and Zuckerberg Really Willing to Fight?
Based on White’s comments, the answer appears to be yes.
He suggested negotiations progressed well beyond internet speculation, describing them as genuine discussions involving both billionaires.
However, the UFC never officially announced the fight, and the enormous financial commitment tied to the Colosseum ultimately prevented it from moving forward.
Why the Colosseum?
The Colosseum would have been one of the most recognizable sporting venues in history.
The nearly 2,000-year-old amphitheater has never hosted a modern UFC event, making the proposed fight one of the most ambitious concepts ever discussed in combat sports.
Because of its historical significance, hosting any large-scale sporting event would require extensive planning, preservation measures, and government approval.
Could the Fight Still Happen?
Dana White didn’t completely rule it out.
When asked whether he’d still be interested in promoting an event there, he joked:
“Anybody that wants to put up the money for the UFC to fight in the Colosseum, I’m in.”
Whether Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg still have any interest in settling their long-running rivalry inside a cage remains unknown.
For now, White’s comments confirm what many fans had long questioned—the negotiations were genuine, but a historic venue came with a historic price tag.
Frequently Asked Questions
Did Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg actually agree to fight?
According to Dana White, negotiations were real and progressed beyond social media exchanges. However, no official fight agreement was ever finalized.
Why didn’t the Musk vs. Zuckerberg fight happen?
White said the biggest obstacle was the proposed venue. The Colosseum reportedly required around $150 million to host the event as part of a restoration fund for Italy’s historic sites.
Was the $150 million a venue rental fee?
Not exactly. White explained the money would have been directed toward preserving historic landmarks across Italy rather than functioning as a traditional arena rental.
Could Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg still happen?
White hasn’t ruled it out. He joked that he’d happily promote the fight if someone was willing to cover the costs associated with staging a UFC event at the Colosseum.
Did Dana White personally negotiate the fight?
Yes. White said he spent approximately two weeks negotiating with both sides and described the discussions as completely legitimate.
