Craig Jones Partners with Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg for BJJ Training – and Fans Are Divided

The MMA world is buzzing this week after Australian grappling phenom Craig Jones shared photos of his recent Brazilian jiu-jitsu training session with none other than Meta billionaire Mark Zuckerberg. The unlikely pairing has sparked a wave of reactions across social media – and not all of them positive.

Jones, widely considered one of the best no-gi grapplers on the planet, posted images showing himself coaching the tech mogul on some advanced BJJ techniques. Zuckerberg, sporting a black eye from previous training, looked fully immersed in the session.

The Billionaire’s BJJ Journey

This isn’t Zuckerberg’s first foray into martial arts. The Facebook founder has been training in BJJ for several years now and even earned his blue belt in 2023 under Dave Camarillo. He’s competed in tournaments and famously rented out the entire UFC Apex facility for a private event last year – a move that drew criticism from some fighters and fans.

I’ve watched Zuckerberg’s progression with interest. What started as a pandemic hobby has clearly developed into a serious passion. The Meta CEO has even incorporated combat sports into his business strategy, partnering with the UFC for various Meta/Oculus VR initiatives.

Craig Jones Faces Backlash

While many fans appreciated seeing Jones share his expertise, others questioned the Australian’s decision to train with the controversial tech billionaire. Comments on Jones’ social media ranged from supportive to outright critical:

“Selling out to the lizard king,” wrote one Instagram user, while another defended Jones: “Man’s getting a bag, why y’all mad?”

Jones himself seemed unfazed by the criticism, responding to negative comments with his characteristic humor. When one follower asked if Zuckerberg’s wealth made him a better training partner, Jones quipped: “He paid me in Meta stock options.”

Why Are MMA Fans Divided?

The reaction to this high-profile training session highlights the complex relationship between combat sports, wealth, and authenticity. Zuckerberg represents a new wave of celebrity BJJ enthusiasts who’ve discovered the sport later in life – and have the resources to train with the absolute best.

For some hardcore fans, this feels like an intrusion into a sacred space. For others, it’s simply smart business for fighters like Jones who can leverage these high-profile connections.

What This Means For Jones’ Career

Craig Jones has always marched to the beat of his own drum. From his irreverent humor to his business ventures like B-Team Jiu-Jitsu, the Australian has consistently built his brand his way.

Training with Zuckerberg might raise eyebrows, but it also raises Jones’ profile outside hardcore grappling circles. With submission grappling growing but still struggling to provide consistent big paydays for athletes, these celebrity connections could prove valuable for Jones’ long-term career strategy.

Will We See More Celebrity-Fighter Partnerships?

Zuckerberg isn’t the only celebrity embracing combat sports. Tom Hardy competes in BJJ tournaments. Russell Brand trains regularly. Even Mario Lopez has been spotted on the mats.

As BJJ and MMA continue to grow in popularity, we’ll likely see more high-profile figures seeking out elite training partners – creating both opportunities and controversies for fighters willing to share their knowledge.

What’s Your Take?

Are you impressed with Zuckerberg’s commitment to BJJ? Do you think Jones made the right move partnering with the tech billionaire? Or should elite fighters be more selective about who they train with?

Drop your thoughts in the comments below, share this article with your training partners, and let’s keep the conversation going. The intersection of wealth, celebrity, and martial arts authenticity isn’t going away anytime soon.

For more breaking MMA news and exclusive fighter interviews, subscribe to our newsletter and follow us on social media.