'This Nerd Is a Silent Killer': Mark Zuckerberg Rented Out An Entire MMA Arena to Watch a Fight, Privately The Meta CEO has taken an interest in the contact sport — both watching and fighting.

By Emily Rella

Opinions expressed by Entrepreneur contributors are their own.

Jeff Bottari | Zuffa LLC | Getty Images

The stress of losing millions in stock valuation and net worth has Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg seeking out a new outlet for release — taking MMA fighting lessons.

Over the weekend, Zuckerberg took his love for MMA one step further by treating himself and his friends to a private fight in Las Vegas — and the sport's top fighters are less than thrilled about it.

On Saturday, the UFC APEX was closed to the public as Zuckerberg and his crew took over the venue to watch a duel between female fighters Yan Xiaonan and Mackenzie Dern, a stark contrast to the usual high-energy and packed crowds of most arenas.

The situation caused a stir on social media where some fighters and fans poked fun at Zuckerberg and his new hobby calling his new obsession "weird" while others championed the billionaire's love for the sport and the positive attention he's bringing to the community.

One notable reaction to Saturday's mayhem was Zuckerberg's wife, Priscilla Chan, and her distaste for the violence involved in the ring. Her unsavory reaction made its way around Twitter where many pointed out her apparent dislike for the sport.

The Meta CEO and his wife are currently expecting their third daughter.

Zuckerberg's trainer, MMA pro Khai Wu, told The Information earlier this month that the Meta CEO often asks for "more resistance" and "more force" while training, demonstrating his commitment to go all in during his sessions.

"You'd never expect these guys to be able to take you down. Next thing you know, they're attacking you with these extremely technical moves," Wu said. "You don't know this nerd is a silent killer."

As of Tuesday morning, Zuckerberg's net worth was an estimated $51.9 billion.

Emily Rella

Senior News Writer

Emily Rella is a Senior News Writer at Entrepreneur.com. Previously, she was an editor at Verizon Media. Her coverage spans features, business, lifestyle, tech, entertainment, and lifestyle. She is a 2015 graduate of Boston College and a Ridgefield, CT native. Find her on Twitter at @EmilyKRella.

Want to be an Entrepreneur Leadership Network contributor? Apply now to join.

Side Hustle

She Quit Her Job at Trader Joe's After Starting a Side Hustle With $800 — Then She and Her Brother Grew the Business to $20 Million

Jaime Holm and Matt Hannula teamed up to build a business in an industry that "didn't exist" yet.

Buying / Investing in Business

Former Zillow Execs Target $1.3T Market

Co-ownership is creating big opportunities for entrepreneurs.

Business Ideas

70 Small Business Ideas to Start in 2025

We put together a list of the best, most profitable small business ideas for entrepreneurs to pursue in 2025.

Business News

Nissan Is Doubling Its Initial Layoff Announcement, Cutting 20,000 Jobs: 'A Wake-Up Call'

The automaker is dealing with slowing sales and a recent failed merger with Honda.

Growing a Business

This Local Bakery Has Lines Out the Door. Here Are the Secrets to Its Success.

Known for its viral flat croissants and innovative desserts, Alexander's Patisserie also excels in hands-on leadership and team culture.

Business News

'The Worst Time of My Life': $100 Million Deli Fraudster Sentenced to Prison

North Carolina businessman Peter Coker Sr. faces prison time and massive fines for his part in a scheme to defraud investors.