Dana White Clears the Air on UFC Colosseum Plans, Elon Musk vs. Mark Zuckerberg Bout

The idea of the UFC hosting an event inside Rome's iconic Colosseum has long felt like one of combat sports' greatest "what ifs." Now, add the prospect of tech billionaires Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg settling their long-running feud “mano a mano” inside the ancient amphitheater, and the result sounds more like a Hollywood blockbuster than a genuine sporting event. 

According to UFC CEO Dana White, those plans were closer than most fans realize.

Dana White Says Musk vs. Zuckerberg Was Far More Than Internet Hype

Speaking in the aftermath of UFC Vegas 119 and just days removed from the historic UFC Freedom 250 card at the White House, White pulled back the curtain on the behind-the-scenes negotiations involving Musk, Zuckerberg, and what could have been the most unconventional fight promotion in modern sports history. 

For years, many dismissed Musk's proposed cage fight against Meta founder Zuckerberg as little more than social media theater. White, however, insists the matchup was very much alive behind closed doors.

"That was real," the UFC President said. "I was literally in my backyard for two weeks negotiating that fight. Those two were gonna put up the money."

The 56-year-old business mogul also revealed that discussions stretched far beyond casual banter, involving nightly conversations with both billionaires as they worked through potential venues, weight classes, and the overall structure of the event.

"I had a blast doing the negotiations with that thing, talking to Elon for an hour every night, talking to Mark an hour every night… about the fight, where it would be, weight classes, this, that."

Dreams of Colosseum Fight Dashed Due to Money Issues

The dream setting was Rome's historic Colosseum, a venue that would've perfectly matched the spectacle surrounding the proposed showdown. However, White admitted the financial demands ultimately proved too steep.

"The Colosseum wanted something like $150 million to do it there." Even so, White suggested the issue wasn't a lack of willingness on Musk's or Zuckerberg's part. In fact, he claims both men were prepared to fund the project themselves before logistical realities eventually brought negotiations to a halt.

Still, White made it clear that his fascination with the concept hasn't faded. "Anybody that wants to put up the money for UFC to fight in the Colosseum, I'm in."

Considering the success of its landmark White House card and the promotion's willingness to experiment with landmark venues, the notion of a UFC event inside Italy’s historic battleground may remain improbable, but White certainly doesn't appear ready to close the door on it entirely.

White Backs Pereira's Character While Addressing UFC Freedom 250 Officiating Debate

White also used his latest media appearance to weigh in on Alex Pereira's frustrations following his controversial loss to Ciryl Gane at UFC Freedom 250.

Pereira has repeatedly argued that several strikes landed on the back of his head during the finishing sequence and suggested that veteran referee Herb Dean failed to adequately intervene.

Reflecting on the same, the UFC head honcho stopped short of criticizing Dean outright, but instead acknowledged the inherent difficulties officials face in such rapid exchanges.

"I think every time anybody fights, the referee should be watching everything that happens," White said. "No reffing anywhere is perfect. It could be an NBA game, it could be an NFL game, definitely some fights. It's just never gonna be perfect."

However, White also admitted Pereira's concerns weren't entirely without merit. "Well, I also think that if you watch the fight, it's undeniable that he got hit with some strikes to the back of the head."

Perhaps the most telling part of White's comments came when discussing Pereira's character.

"I can tell you this: Alex Pereira is not a whiner, and Alex Pereira doesn't complain about things or make excuses after fights. So I have to believe that he believed that, that he truly believed that was true."

For the promotion head, the issue appears less about assigning fault and more about recognizing that even experienced officials and elite fighters can find themselves caught in controversial moments.