Zuckerberg spars with UFC's Dvalishvili on floating barge

Mark Zuckerberg has posted an Instagram video of himself sparring with UFC fighter Merab Dvalishvili on a floating barge in the middle of a lake. The short clip, filmed on a clear day, shows the Meta CEO trading punches with the Georgian grappler on the open water. The barge, a fixture in Silicon Valley’s wellness culture, is normally used for yoga and meditation retreats. This marks the third time Zuckerberg has invited a professional fighter onto the platform, following sessions with Lex Fridman and Gordon Ryan.

The return to the floating battle barge fits a pattern. Zuckerberg has been training in Brazilian jiu-jitsu for over a year and has repeatedly used high-profile sparring sessions to signal his commitment to the sport. The move also comes as Meta faces pressure to diversify its image beyond social media and into wellness, fitness, and even combat sports. The lake setting adds a dramatic backdrop, reinforcing the idea that this is both a physical challenge and a personal brand statement.

Zuckerberg has not commented publicly on the session beyond the Instagram post. But Merab Dvalishvili, ranked No. 2 in the UFC bantamweight division, has a reputation for being both technical and tough. Their sparring likely included both grappling and striking, though the video only shows brief exchanges. Insiders note that Zuckerberg trains regularly with his coach, Dave Camarillo, and has built a makeshift gym at his Bay Area home.

What happens next is unclear. Zuckerberg may post more clips or announce a full match. He has previously said he doesn’t plan to compete professionally, but the staged nature of these sessions blurs the line between training and performance. Either way, the floating barge is back—and with a UFC star on board.