Former UFC star Chael Sonnen shared his thoughts on celebrities entering combat sports during an appearance on Jake Shields‘ podcast, particularly praising Mark Zuckerberg‘s commitment to Brazilian jiu-jitsu.
Sonnen expressed respect for Zuckerberg’s dedication, noting that as a billionaire with bodyguards, Zuckerberg has no practical need for self-defense training but pursues it purely for the achievement. He defended Zuckerberg from critics who mocked him for getting submitted in competition.
“People criticize him but he actually went and did a tournament. Imagine being a billionaire and competing against normal people – the nerve for that is crazy,”
Shields said.
“They teased him for getting choked out. How do you not respect that? How do you not respect that he stayed in the position?”
Sonnen added.
Sonnen suggested the combat sports community should have been more welcoming to celebrities like Zuckerberg and Elon Musk showing interest in the sport. He noted that training in martial arts often has a positive impact on practitioners.
“Even when Elon Musk started sticking his nose in…this is cool stuff. I wasn’t really sure where the resistance was coming from,”
Sonnen said.
The discussion highlighted how celebrity involvement, while sometimes controversial, can help grow combat sports when the participants show genuine dedication and respect for the disciplines they’re pursuing.
Gordon Ryan has publicly backed Mark Zuckerberg’s push for “masculine energy” in corporate culture following Meta’s controversial policy changes, including the removal of feminine hygiene products from men’s restrooms. Ryan, known for his outspoken views, referenced his past claim that mandatory testosterone use would solve many of America’s problems. Zuckerberg, in a conversation with Joe Rogan, defended the changes, arguing that corporate culture had been shifting away from masculinity. Meta has also scrapped its DEI programs and removed transgender themes from Messenger, with Chief Global Affairs Officer Joel Kaplan asserting the goal is to hire the most talented individuals. The moves have sparked internal backlash, particularly among LGBTQ+ employees, with some resigning in protest. These shifts align with broader Meta changes, such as the elimination of fact-checkers in favor of a Community Notes program, fueling wider debates on inclusivity and corporate identity in America.
Mark Zuckerberg recently trained with Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu legend Marcelo Garcia, furthering his commitment to martial arts. Garcia, a five-time world champion and four-time ADCC winner, has made a remarkable return to competition after overcoming stomach cancer. Zuckerberg, who previously trained with Max Holloway, Dave Camarillo, Mikey Musumeci, and posed with Gordon Ryan, continues to refine his skills despite an ACL injury.
