Elon Musk has unexpectedly accepted a fight challenge from Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro.
The challenge arose after Musk criticized the recent Venezuelan presidential election, which he claimed involved "major election fraud." Maduro, who was declared the winner with 51% of the vote, has faced accusations of election interference and manipulation, leading to deadly protests and over a thousand arrests.
Musk took to X (formerly Twitter), labeling Maduro a "dictator" and supporting Argentine President Javier Milei's call for Maduro to "recognize the defeat after years of socialism, misery, decadence, and death."
In response, Maduro challenged Musk, saying on Venezuelan television,
''Do you want to fight? Let's do it. Elon Musk, I'm ready. I'm not afraid of you, Elon Musk. Let's fight, wherever you want''. Musk promptly replied, "I accept," and proposed, ''If I win, he resigns as dictator of Venezuela. If he wins, I give him a free ride to Mars''
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The bizarre exchange follows a similar challenge Musk made last year to Facebook founder Mark Zuckerberg, which never materialized.
The proposed fight with Maduro, who Musk noted is a "big guy," contrasts with his dismissive comments about Zuckerberg, whom he described as "a little fella."
As of now, there is no confirmation on whether this fight will happen, leaving many to question whether it's a serious proposition or another stunt in the ongoing saga between Musk and Maduro.