Joe Rogan Credits Jiu-Jitsu for Zuckerberg’s Meta Policy Shift

LOS ANGELES, Calif. — Meta CEO Mark Zuckerberg‘s recent decision to relax speech restrictions on the company’s platforms has sparked widespread speculation, with podcaster Joe Rogan attributing the shift to Zuckerberg’s passion for jiu-jitsu. Rogan, during a conversation with comedian Theo Von, suggested that the martial art has influenced Zuckerberg’s worldview, making him more libertarian and disciplined.

“Nothing turns you into a libertarian like jiu-jitsu,” Rogan said on his podcast, The Joe Rogan Experience. “It exposes character in a way that’s almost impossible with other martial arts.” Rogan, a longtime martial arts enthusiast, argued that the intense physical and mental demands of jiu-jitsu foster values like hard work and resilience.

Zuckerberg, an avid martial arts practitioner, has been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu (BJJ) and mixed martial arts (MMA) for several years. In 2023, he earned a BJJ blue belt under the guidance of renowned MMA coach Dave Camarillo. Despite suffering a torn ACL during training, Zuckerberg has remained committed to the sport, with his wife, Priscilla Chan, encouraging him to continue.

“I sat down with Priscilla, and I was expecting her to say, ‘You’re an idiot,'” Zuckerberg shared on Rogan’s podcast. “But she said, ‘When you heal your ACL, you better go back to fighting. You’re so much better to be around now that you’re doing this.'”

Zuckerberg’s involvement in martial arts has also brought him closer to the UFC community. He has attended high-profile events, including UFC 298 and UFC 300, and was appointed to the UFC’s Board of Directors in 2023. His friendship with UFC CEO Dana White has further fueled speculation about a potential MMA match against Elon Musk, though talks have stalled.

While Rogan’s theory about jiu-jitsu shaping Zuckerberg’s policies remains speculative, the Meta CEO’s commitment to the sport is undeniable. Whether or not martial arts have influenced his leadership decisions, Zuckerberg’s dedication to training highlights the transformative power of discipline and perseverance.