Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg has once again become the subject of internet memes, this time for an awkward UFC walkout that resurfaced recently on social media.
The viral video, shared earlier this week, shows Zuckerberg supporting Australian fighter Alex Volkanovski at UFC 298 in Anaheim, California, on February 17, 2024. The clip, originally highlighted by Men’s Journal, captures the tech billionaire awkwardly bobbing his head while appearing unsure of where to place his hands.
One user on X (formerly Twitter) shared the video, captioning it, “Me helping the women in my family cook Christmas dinner.”
Me helping the women in my family cook Christmas dinner pic.twitter.com/keNoRvVk8U
— Dovy🔌 (@DovySimuMMA) December 25, 2024
Elon Musk chimed in, replying to the post with a laughing emoji.
“Most awkward walkout of 2024,” another user joked. “Trying so hard to be human,” wrote a third.
Despite the teasing, some commenters defended Zuckerberg, noting his efforts to connect with others. “I think it’s cool that he is trying to hang. Everyone can grow and change,” one user said. Another wrote, “Nah, having Zuck in your corner is crazy.”
A Fitness Transformation
Zuckerberg’s involvement in the UFC scene comes as part of a broader fitness journey in recent years. According to Men’s Journal, he has embraced Brazilian jiu-jitsu, winning both gold and silver medals at a tournament. On Memorial Day, he completed the grueling Murph Challenge — a workout involving 100 pull-ups, 200 push-ups, 300 squats, and a one-mile run, all while wearing a 20-pound weighted vest. Zuckerberg finished the challenge in under 40 minutes.
However, his fitness ambitions occasionally cause tension at home. Last year, Zuckerberg shared a text exchange with his wife, Priscilla Chan, about a martial arts octagon he installed in their backyard.
“Did you see the octagon I put in the backyard?” he asked.
After Chan confirmed she had, Zuckerberg responded enthusiastically, “It looks awesome.”
Her one-word reply, “Mark,” hinted at her displeasure.
“We have plenty of yard space!” Zuckerberg insisted.
“I’ve been working on that grass for two years,” Chan retorted.
Zuckerberg’s Political Pivot
In addition to his physical transformation, Zuckerberg has seemingly undergone a political shift. Following an assassination attempt on President-elect Donald Trump in July, Zuckerberg publicly praised Trump’s courage and resilience.
Meta also donated $1 million to Trump’s inaugural fund, a move it did not make in 2016 or 2020. Zuckerberg was later seen dining with Trump at Mar-a-Lago, signaling a potential thaw in their historically tense relationship.
Whether in the fitness world or the political arena, Zuckerberg appears intent on exploring new paths — sometimes awkwardly, but always visibly.