Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg continues to demonstrate his deep involvement in the UFC community, making a notable appearance in Alex Pereira’s locker room ahead of the highly anticipated UFC 313 main event at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada.
The tech mogul, whose net worth stands at approximately $216 billion, has increasingly become a familiar face at UFC events. His backstage meeting with light heavyweight champion Pereira adds another chapter to their growing connection within the combat sports world.
The pair previously captured attention during the 2024 Olympics when they collaborated on a social media skit, attempting various Olympic sports together. Their rapport was evident as they reunited backstage at UFC 313, where Pereira prepared for his clash with Magomed Ankalaev.
In his first bout of 2025, Alex Pereira defended his light heavyweight title against Magomed Ankalaev in the UFC 313 main event but fell short on the scorecards. Pereira controlled the early rounds with devastating leg kicks, while Ankalaev struggled to find his rhythm. However, the challenger gained momentum in the second round, rocking Pereira with a powerful left hand. The fight remained competitive, with Ankalaev pressing forward and mixing in grappling, though he struggled to secure takedowns. By the final round, the fight was still up for grabs, but Ankalaev’s pressure and striking edge earned him a unanimous decision victory (49-46, 48-47, 48-47), making him the new UFC light heavyweight champion.
Beyond his interaction with Pereira, Zuckerberg also shared a warm moment with former featherweight champion Alexander Volkanovski at the event. Their friendship has blossomed through Zuckerberg’s increasing involvement in Brazilian Jiu-Jitsu, where he has not only trained but also competed in tournaments.
The Meta founder has built strong relationships within the UFC community, training with elite athletes including Israel Adesanya, Max Holloway, and Volkanovski. His commitment to the sport was particularly evident at UFC 298, where he accompanied Volkanovski during his walkout.
As Volkanovski prepares for his upcoming appearance at UFC 314 next month, speculation grows about whether Zuckerberg will once again support his training partner at the event. The tech leader’s continued presence in the sport underscores the UFC’s growing appeal among high-profile personalities and its expansion into mainstream entertainment.
