The anticipated cage fight spectacle featuring tech titans Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg could potentially unfold in Italy, with a captivating ancient Rome theme.
Adding an intriguing twist to the narrative, Italy’s culture minister disclosed on Friday that discussions had transpired with Mr. Musk regarding the prospect of hosting the highly anticipated face-off as a charitable event.
Since June, the billionaire CEOs of Tesla and Meta (formerly Facebook) have playfully provoked each other, fueling speculation about an impending fight. If the match comes to fruition, substantial donations are expected to be directed towards children’s hospitals.
However, Mr. Zuckerberg has underlined that no concrete date for the event has been confirmed.
Offering insights into his vision on the social media platform X (previously referred to as Twitter), Mr. Musk revealed conversations with Italy’s prime minister and its culture minister. He shared, “They have agreed on an epic location… Everything in camera frame will be ancient Rome, so nothing modern at all.”
Regrettably, the iconic Colosseum in Rome, where legendary gladiator bouts transpired in ancient times, has been excluded from consideration.
Italy’s Culture Minister, Gennaro Sangiuliano, articulated that this “great charity” spectacle aligns with the country’s historical resonance while safeguarding its cultural heritage. Mr. Sangiuliano stated, “I had a long and amicable conversation with Elon Musk. We discussed our shared passion for ancient Roman history… We are contemplating how to orchestrate a grand charitable and historical event that respects and preserves the ambiance… The event will not unfold in Rome.”
In addition to the historical undertones, Mr. Sangiuliano anticipated that hosting the cage match would result in significant contributions, “many millions of euros,” to two Italian children’s hospitals.
Mark Zuckerberg responded on Threads, a platform that rivals X, which he recently launched. He conveyed his readiness for the showdown, asserting, “I’ve been ready to fight since the day Elon challenged me.” Yet, he emphasized that any forthcoming date would be communicated solely by him, cautioning that “anything he [Elon] says has not been agreed on.”
Seemingly casting a light on the proposed plans, Mr. Zuckerberg underscored his desire to highlight elite athletes through professional partnerships with organizations like the UFC or ONE (mixed martial arts organizations), ensuring a well-executed event.
Elon Musk, 52, and Mark Zuckerberg, 39, rank among the most prominent technology billionaires worldwide.
The curious notion of their showdown took root in June when Mr. Musk tweeted his openness to a cage fight with Mr. Zuckerberg. The Meta CEO, equipped with mixed martial arts (MMA) training and recent jiu-jitsu tournament victories, promptly responded with “send me location.”