UFC bantamweight champion Aljamain Sterling recently expressed admiration for Mark Zuckerberg’s dedication to training after getting a taste of what the Meta CEO can do in the gym. Sterling’s praise came following a sparring session with fellow UFC contender Merab Dvalishvili, during which Zuckerberg was also involved — and Sterling wasn’t shy about acknowledging the effort.
“I’ve seen a lot of people in that gym,” Sterling said, reflecting on the experience. “That guy stayed with it.”
Sterling’s comments highlighted the surprise many fighters and fans feel when someone outside the MMA world shows up ready to put in real work.
The context for the praise was a recent group workout that included Sterling, Dvalishvili, and other high-level athletes. Zuckerberg — known more for his role as a tech mogul than as a martial artist — has been training regularly and reportedly takes his sessions seriously. Sterling’s reaction was a mix of respect and disbelief, noting that Zuckerberg’s persistence in drills made an impression.
Sterling, a former division kingpin with a reputation for gritty, technical fighting, has shared training environments with elite talent for years. For him to single out Zuckerberg says something about how the Facebook founder approaches preparation. “He didn’t just show up for photos,” Sterling joked. “He actually sparred. He stayed in there and worked.”
The exchange has since become a talking point across social media, with fans reacting to the unlikely crossover between MMA professionals and one of the most influential figures in tech. While Zuckerberg isn’t expected to step into professional competition, his willingness to train alongside elite athletes like Sterling and Dvalishvili highlights a trend of high-profile figures embracing combat sports as part of their fitness routines.
Sterling’s praise — delivered with genuine respect rather than mockery — underscores the impression Zuckerberg left on the fighters: he didn’t just talk about training, he showed up and worked.
