UFC BJJ Invite: Dana White Wants Mark Zuckerberg and Tom Hardy to Compete

Dana White has officially extended an open UFC BJJ invite to two unlikely but increasingly visible figures in combat sports: tech billionaire Mark Zuckerberg and actor Tom Hardy.
With both men already active in Jiu-Jitsu, White’s offer has set off a wave of speculation about the future of the UFC’s new BJJ initiative—and whether celebrity grappling is now part of the long-term plan.

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UFC BJJ Invite Extended to Tom Hardy and Mark Zuckerberg
Why This Isn’t Just a Gimmick
Competitive Celebrity Grappling: The Next Big Thing in BJJ?
UFC BJJ’s Future Hinges on Smart Moves Like This
Will They Say Yes to UFC BJJ?

UFC BJJ Invite Extended to Tom Hardy and Mark Zuckerberg

In a media appearance this week, UFC President Dana White confirmed what many fans had been joking about since the launch of UFC BJJ: he’s officially inviting Mark Zuckerberg and Tom Hardy to compete in the promotion’s upcoming events.

“I’d love to see both of them compete. They’ve trained, they love it, and the door is open.”
– Dana White –

Zuckerberg, the Meta CEO, has already competed in amateur BJJ tournaments and trained with elite-level coaches like Dave Camarillo and Mikey Musumeci.

Tom Hardy, meanwhile, shocked many in 2022 and 2023 by entering regional BJJ competitions under his real name—and winning.

The two represent drastically different corners of the celebrity world, but both have developed reputations as serious grappling practitioners.

The UFC BJJ invite announcement was first reported by BJJDoc and later confirmed by multiple outlets, including MMA UK and BroBible. While no timeline or event was named, the implication was clear: if Zuckerberg or Hardy wants in, UFC BJJ will make it happen.

Why This Isn’t Just a Gimmick

At first glance, Dana White’s UFC BJJ invite to celebrities may seem like a publicity stunt. But it also reflects a broader strategy to leverage crossover appeal to grow the new brand.

UFC BJJ—launched in 2025 as a competitive grappling spin-off under the UFC umbrella—aims to bridge the gap between sport Jiu-Jitsu and mainstream entertainment.

“These guys already train. What better way to get more eyes on the sport than by putting real practitioners—who also happen to be famous—on the mat?”
– UFC BJJ insider –

Zuckerberg’s deep connections to Silicon Valley and tech-savvy audiences could help the UFC BJJ brand reach non-traditional grappling fans. Hardy, meanwhile, carries pop culture credibility, having starred in Warrior, one of the few MMA films to earn critical acclaim.

Their inclusion wouldn’t just be spectacle—it would be strategic.

Competitive Celebrity Grappling: The Next Big Thing in BJJ?

The UFC BJJ invite builds on a growing trend of high-profile figures entering the Jiu-Jitsu space. Ashton Kutcher, Russell Brand, and even Mario Lopez have earned belts and trained with high-level instructors.

But Zuckerberg and Hardy have gone a step further by competing, showing up unannounced at small tournaments and testing themselves against everyday hobbyists.

“Mark showed up like any other competitor. No press, no special treatment. Just weighed in, rolled, and went home.”
– NorCal BJJ tournament organizer –

If either accepts White’s offer, it would mark the first time the UFC hosts a grappling-only bout featuring a globally recognized celebrity. More importantly, it might push other athletes—both inside and outside MMA—to consider giving no-gi BJJ the spotlight treatment it rarely gets.

UFC BJJ’s Future Hinges on Smart Moves Like This

The success of UFC BJJ promotion depends on more than just elite grapplers. While the sport has legends like Gordon Ryan, Craig Jones, and Felipe Pena, casual fans often need a story or personality to latch onto. That’s where the UFC BJJ invite model could play a key role.

By incorporating well-known figures with authentic BJJ backgrounds, the promotion can walk the line between sport integrity and entertainment value. It’s a lesson the UFC learned decades ago in its main MMA product—and now seems intent on applying to the grappling world.

“If UFC BJJ becomes the stage where everyday people, celebrities, and champions all share the mat, it changes the culture of competition.”

For all the purists who may bristle at the idea, it’s worth noting: nothing about Dana White’s invitation guarantees automatic entry. Even celebrities will need to weigh in, show up, and actually grapple.

Will They Say Yes to UFC BJJ?

At the time of writing, neither Zuckerberg nor Hardy has responded publicly to Dana White’s invitation. But the media buzz and online speculation suggest that fans are ready for it—especially if the matches are framed as legitimate competitions rather than exhibitions.

Whether or not they accept, the UFC BJJ invite has already accomplished its goal: putting the new promotion front and center in the global Jiu-Jitsu conversation.