Will we really see Elon Musk and Mark Zuckerberg fight at the Colosseum?

It’s a fight between alpha males that can’t be more alpha, the one started between Mark Zuckerberg and Elon Musk. A challenge between billionaire gentlemen, without weapons or pistols, but with bare hands, because alpha males fight like this. The possible and improbable duel that is attracting the attention of the American press and social networks in recent weekscould also have a completely unexpected ending, nothing less than the Colosseum in Rome. Before getting to the gladiatorial clash 2.0, however, it is worth taking a step back, and summarizing what might seem like a boutadebut that perhaps it is a more serious matter than it seems.

“Tell me where I should come”: Mark Zuckerberg had thus responded, a few days ago, to the provocation of Elon Musk, that he had declared himself ready to fight with him in a cage.

Something that sounded a bit like the threats of school bullies: “I’ll wait for you outside, man”, but in a multibillion-dollar sauce. And indeed it was: money and power made the difference in a potentially harmless fistfight between rivals, and the escalation was unprecedented.

The two – and it couldn’t have been otherwise, considering both of their careers on social media – seem to have forgotten the first rule of Fight Club, and they continued to show their desire to punch and kick each other. Zuckemberg – a jiu-jitsu enthusiast – had taken up the gauntlet, with a story in which he invited his colleague to send him the position for the fight, quoting a famous joke by former UFC champion Khabib Nurmagomedov. Musk, to intimidate his opponent, explained how he would move in a possible MME fight: «I have this great move that I call “The Walrus”, where I lie on top of my opponent and do nothing. I hardly ever train, except when I pick up my kids and throw them in the air.”

A joke here, a joke there, this display of peacock wheels and trained muscles could eventually turn into the world’s popiest wrestling match. Because it looks like there’s a very good chance this fight could actually happen. Worldwide, for sure. And at the Colosseum, they say.

In fact, we are talking about two who love to fight, and not just through social purchases. They both work out, and both were recent guests on the podcast of Lex Fridmanwho improvised a jujitsu fight with both Zuckemberg and Musk.

The question, one tweet after another (good for muskwho wins today’s social challenge one to zero), held court for days, arousing the curiosity and attention of many, such as the UFC champion Georges St Pierrewho has offered to coach Musk ahead of the fight.

Until, suddenly, the site tmz extension launched the super bombshell: the meeting will really take place, and not in Las Vegas, as initially imagined, but at the Colosseum in Rome. The American media say that a spokesman for the Minister of Culture – no less – would have contacted the multimillionaires to offer the most suitable location for a clash of the Titans. The Government – which just a few days ago had met Elon Musk officially – categorically denies itbut the Tesla owner does not do the same and tweets – just a few hours ago – that there is a chance that everything will really happen at the Colosseum.

We’ll see, popcorn in hand, and in the meantime let’s reflect on the fact that Facebook has never introduced the thumbs down as a comment option on posts. Now, indeed, we understand why: in the event of a Roman-style gladiator fight, Zuckemberg wouldn’t want to face negative public opinion and the consequent death sentence.