When America’s newly elected President Donald Trump participated in the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight match at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday, he was given a warm welcome by the fans. Trump entered the arena shortly before the main card began accompanied by UFC chief executive Dana White, a key supporter of his during his election campaign.
Several of Trump’s political allies were also in attendance at the mixed-martial arts bouts, including entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, whom Trump has asked to lead efforts to reduce government incompetence.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has nominated to be health secretary, was also in the fight and a photo posted on Twitter showed the pair flying to the event together on Trump’s private plane.
The night felt like post-election night for Republicans.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are going out with Dana White!!! ,#UFC309 Live on TNT Sports Box Office ➡️ pic.twitter.com/VpggsWHtwZ
– UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) 17 November 2024
Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman selected for the role of director of national intelligence, was also in the crowd, along with Trump’s sons Eric and Don Jr. and musician Kid Rock — who regularly attends Trump rallies.
After waving to the chanting crowd, Trump warmly welcomed UFC broadcast analyst Joe Rogan, a popular podcast host, who had also endorsed Trump after he appeared as a guest on the show.
The venue’s “Jumbotron” giant screen above the cage where the fighters fought then showed a video featuring campaign highlights with soundbites from Trump.
The film ended with the numbers 45 and 47 on the screen, representing the Republican’s past and upcoming presidencies.
Fans chanted “USA, USA,” a chant often heard at Trump rallies, including one held at Madison Square Garden last month.
Trump watched the fight with Musk from front row seats adjacent to the caged Octagon.
After Jon Jones defended his heavyweight title with a third-round TKO against fellow American Stipe Miocic in the main event, the fighter celebrated with Trump’s trademark ‘YMCA’ dance.
“I want to thank President Donald Trump very much for being here tonight,” Jones said, receiving massive support from the crowd.
After leading the crowd in another round of “USA, USA” chants, Jones gave Trump his heavyweight championship belt and spent some time chatting with the president-elect.
Trump frequently attends UFC events and competed in three bouts during his campaign for the White House.
His connection with the world of fighting is very deep. He featured retired WrestleMania star Hulk Hogan at the Republican convention in August and hosted UFC bouts in his casino in the early days, when the series struggled to gain popularity before becoming the multi-billion success it is today.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
