In a surprising development, the CEO of Twitter, Elon Musk revealed on Friday that Italy might be the backdrop for a highly anticipated cage match between him and Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg. Both individuals have hinted at the potential for this charity event, but specifics remain unconfirmed.
Musk, sharing the news on his X social media channel (previously known as Twitter), indicated that discussions were progressing, noting, “After talks with Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Culture Minister Gennaro Sangiuliano, we’ve settled on an iconic location.”
Zuckerberg, a martial arts aficionado with experience in jiujitsu tournaments, fired back on his Threads platform, showcasing a snapshot of him in a martial stance. “I’ve been gearing up for this since Elon threw down the gauntlet,” he remarked, advising fans to wait for his confirmation on any date Musk might suggest.
Although initial speculations hinted at Rome’s ancient Colosseum as the event’s venue, Minister Sangiuliano has ruled out the historic landmark. However, the event’s ultimate goal is unmistakably charitable. The Culture Minister envisaged the contest generating a significant sum for two renowned pediatric hospitals in Italy. He further commented on the potential of this spectacle to shine a global spotlight on Italy’s rich historical and cultural tapestry.
Musk echoed this sentiment, ensuring respect would be shown to Italy’s rich history. He added that the earnings from the event would be channeled towards supporting veterans.
While both tech leaders have shown a preference for managing the event through their respective foundations, Zuckerberg highlighted a potential collaboration with a professional body like UFC to feature top-tier athletes.
Interestingly, the duo, once distant industry rivals, recently became direct competitors with the launch of Zuckerberg’s Threads under his Meta brand.
On a lighter note, Musk later shared a Latin quip that, when translated, read, “Sometimes, it’s fun to be silly.” He also hinted at a possible delay due to a minor health concern related to his shoulder, which might require a brief medical intervention. Nevertheless, Musk assured fans that an existing titanium plate in his spine wouldn’t pose any complications.
While UFC’s Dana White expressed eagerness to be part of the mega-event, estimating a potential billion-dollar revenue, the official date, and specifics remain under wraps.
This unanticipated cage match proposal has certainly captivated global attention, and many await further details on what promises to be an extraordinary spectacle for a noble cause.
