Dana White’s Power Move: Zuckerberg and Hardy Invited to Compete in New UFC BJJ Promotion

In what might be the most unexpected MMA news this year, UFC President Dana White has officially extended invitations to tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg and Hollywood star Tom Hardy to compete in his newly announced UFC Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu promotion. This bold move has sent shockwaves through both the combat sports and entertainment worlds.

I’ve been covering the UFC for years, and even I didn’t see this one coming. But when you think about it, it’s classic Dana White – always finding new ways to blend star power with legitimate combat sports.

Zuckerberg and Hardy: More Than Celebrity Practitioners

If you’re thinking this is just another celebrity cash grab, think again. Both Zuckerberg and Hardy have legitimate credentials on the mats that make this invitation more than just a publicity stunt.

The Meta CEO has been training Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu for several years now, and recently shocked the combat sports world by winning gold at a local tournament. Meanwhile, Hardy isn’t just playing tough guys on screen – he’s a legitimate BJJ brown belt who regularly competes in tournaments when his filming schedule allows.

Zuckerberg’s Surprising Jiu-Jitsu Journey

Mark Zuckerberg’s transition from tech nerd to legitimate BJJ practitioner has been nothing short of remarkable. Training under Dave Camarillo, Zuckerberg has shown serious dedication to the craft, even installing a training facility at Meta headquarters.

“During the pandemic, I started training with some friends,” Zuckerberg revealed in a recent podcast appearance. “It’s really become a passion. There’s something very primal and connecting about the sport.”

His competitive debut earlier this year raised eyebrows when he took home gold in a Gi tournament, proving he’s not just dabbling – he’s committed.

Tom Hardy: Hollywood’s Legitimate Grappler

While many actors talk about martial arts training for roles, Hardy has taken his dedication to another level. A brown belt under Roger Gracie affiliate Leandro Nogueira, Hardy has competed in multiple REORG charity tournaments, even winning gold at some events.

His preparation for films like “Warrior” and “Venom” included serious grappling training, but unlike many actors, he continued long after the cameras stopped rolling.

White’s Vision for UFC BJJ

Dana White’s decision to launch a dedicated BJJ promotion under the UFC banner represents a significant expansion of the world’s premier MMA organization. According to sources close to the promotion, the format will blend traditional BJJ rules with elements designed to make matches more exciting for casual fans.

I’ve watched White transform the UFC from a struggling promotion to a multi-billion dollar enterprise, and this move could potentially do the same for competitive jiu-jitsu – especially with star power like Zuckerberg and Hardy involved.

What This Means for the Sport

The inclusion of high-profile names like Zuckerberg and Hardy could be exactly what competitive BJJ needs to break into mainstream consciousness. While hardcore fans have long appreciated the technical beauty of the sport, casual viewers often struggle to connect with its sometimes slow-paced nature.

White’s promotional genius, combined with the drawing power of these celebrities who actually have legitimate skills, could create the perfect storm for BJJ’s growth. And let’s be honest – who wouldn’t want to watch the creator of Facebook get put in an armbar?

Fan Reactions: Mixed But Mostly Positive

The MMA community’s reaction has been predictably divided. Some purists question whether celebrities belong in a professional BJJ promotion, while others see this as a brilliant way to expand the sport’s reach.

“If they can actually roll, why not?” said one fan on Twitter. “Hardy’s legit, and Zuck has shown he’s serious about training. This isn’t like watching CM Punk get destroyed in the UFC.”

Others have expressed excitement about seeing these high-profile figures tested against professional grapplers. The question on everyone’s mind: Who would their opponents be?

What’s Next for UFC BJJ?

While White has extended the invitations, neither Zuckerberg nor Hardy has publicly responded yet. The inaugural UFC BJJ event is reportedly being planned for early 2024, with a format that will showcase both celebrity practitioners and elite professional grapplers.

If you’re a BJJ fan, this could be the breakthrough moment the sport has been waiting for. And if you’re just a casual MMA viewer who enjoys watching famous people get humbled (or surprise everyone), this promotion might be right up your alley.

What do you think about Dana White’s new BJJ promotion? Would you watch Zuckerberg and Hardy compete? Drop your thoughts in the comments below!

Stay tuned to our site for more updates on this developing story and all things MMA.