We finally have an idea on why UFC Vegas 61 cast out media and fans alike.
It was reported earlier this week that the upcoming UFC fight night event would be held privately, with no reason given for the odd occurrence. Following the Contender Series season finale, Dana White would even dodge questions regarding why the card would be closed to the fans and the media.
Zuckerberg Rents Out UFC Vegas 61
Saturday night’s headliner Mackenzie Dern would be the one to let the cat out of the bag, citing Mark Zuckerberg had rented out the entire event. Dern’s not sure what the private audience will look like, but she knows the Facebook CEO will be watching.
“I know Mark Zuckerberg like rented out the whole event, so I know he’ll be there,” Dern said during UFC Vegas 61 media day. “I don’t know if it’s just like literally him and his wife or if he’s gonna have friends, or if it’ll be like a small party, I don’t know.”
Zuckerberg is a mega MMA fan. He follows a plethora of fighters on social media, often times engaging with them. The Facebook CEO also trains MMA himself and has been seen sparring with bantamweight pro Khai Wu. So, there should be no surprise that he rented out a UFC event for himself.
However, it is strange for a card to have no media present and be entirely closed off to the public. But hey, money talks.
Dern Wants To Give Zuckerberg A Show
Dern explains fighting forward with the scenery change. She expects it will feel like a sparring session, just as it did during the pandemic with private events. But, she’ll look to put on a show for Zuckerberg and whoever he has with him.
“From a main event with a crowd going to like, very, very private, I’m definitely like, ‘okay, we are gonna be back like a sparring [session]’. It’s a different type of adversity they have to get to because you get distracted so easily.
“So any like commentating or anything, if you’re not focused, your mind can get distracted. So I’m excited and that just makes me more driven to put on a good show for— I know everyone’s watching on tv, but for Mark and whoever’s gonna be there. Put on a show, that’s what they wanna see is a show. We’re gonna give a show.”
