An Electrifying Atmosphere
Donald Trump, the recently elected U.S. President, was met with enthusiastic chants from fans as he attended the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) heavyweight bout at Madison Square Garden in New York. Accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White, a staunch supporter during his campaign, Trump entered the arena shortly before the main card kicked off.
Political Allies in Attendance
The event had the feel of a Republican celebration, with several of Trump’s political allies present. Among them were entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, the latter of whom has been designated by Trump to spearhead efforts to enhance government efficiency. Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has nominated as health secretary, was also spotted at the fight, having flown in with Trump on his private plane. Additionally, former Democratic Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who is being considered for the director of national intelligence role, was in attendance, along with Trump’s sons, Eric and Don Jr., and musician Kid Rock—known for his frequent appearances at Trump rallies.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND ELON MUSK ARE WALKING OUT WITH DANA WHITE!!! 🇺🇸#UFC309 | LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office ➡️ https://t.co/uXQAMHNTBd pic.twitter.com/VpggsWHtwZ
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) November 17, 2024
A Familiar Face in the Crowd
As Trump acknowledged the chanting crowd, he warmly greeted Joe Rogan, the popular podcast host and UFC analyst who endorsed him after a guest appearance on his show. The ambiance was further charged when the venue’s giant screen displayed highlights from Trump’s election campaign, culminating with the numbers 45 and 47, referencing Trump’s prior and upcoming presidencies. The crowd erupted into a chorus of “USA, USA,” a chant synonymous with Trump’s rallies.
Front-Row Action with Musk
Watching the fights from front-row seats beside Musk, Trump enjoyed the intense matches, with Jon Jones defending his heavyweight title in a thrilling main event against Stipe Miocic, winning by technical knockout in the third round. After the fight, Jones expressed his gratitude to Trump, leading the crowd in yet another “USA, USA” chant, before offering his heavyweight championship belt to the President-elect.
Trump’s Long History with the UFC
Trump’s ties to the world of mixed martial arts are longstanding; he has attended numerous UFC events throughout the years and was instrumental in helping the organization gain traction in its early days by hosting fights at his casinos. His relationship with the sport was highlighted during the Republican National Convention, where Dana White praised Trump, calling him “the toughest, most resilient human being” he had ever met.
In summary, Trump’s presence at the UFC event not only celebrated his election victory but also reinforced his strong connections with the UFC and its key figures, showcasing the intertwining of sports and politics in contemporary America.
