Saturday night was a thrilling spectacle at Madison Square Garden during the UFC pay-per-view event and it was further electrified by the appearance of President-elect Donald Trump. The crowd erupted into applause, exuberantly welcoming a figure known for his affinity for actions within the octagon and love for the buzzing metropolis of New York City. He was accompanied by UFC President Dana White, as they made their way to the cageside seats. The upbeat tune ‘American Bad Ass’ by Kid Rock set the perfect atmosphere for their grand entry.
Showing support for Trump, the UFC held a special showcase celebrating his journey to regain the presidency, titled ‘The Great Comeback in American History’. The crowd stood in unison, offering applause as the video played out, narrating the exceptional story of his resurgence. Enthusiastically interacting with the audience, Trump, in his signature suit and red tie, responded with pumped fists to the cheers of his supporters.
Adding to the joyous atmosphere was the famous melody of ‘YMCA’ by the Village People. Not one to shy away from fun, the president-elect showed off his dance moves putting his fists in the air with boundless energy. The charged arena also reveled in the tune ‘Takin’ Care of Business’ that played later, complementing the high spirits.
Joining the president-elect were Elon Musk, assigned by Trump to head a newly established Department of Government Efficiency, and the House Speaker Mike Johnson from Louisiana. Also present at the event was Robert Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick to lead the Department of Health and Human Services. Seating spaces at the Garden reverberated with the power of these prominent figures as White, Musk, and Trump, all enjoyed the ringside action.
Invested in the night’s events, Trump expressed appreciation for the fight winners while sharing his front-row seat with Elon Musk to his left and Dana White to his right. The event was emboldened by the support of UFC fans who sported red Trump hats and waved flags adorned with the president-elect’s image, demonstrating their loyalty through each round of the sport.
Murmurs of ‘USA! USA!’ filled Madison Square Garden before the main event began, showing not just support for the martial art event, but also resonating with the national pride spurred by Trump’s return to the presidency. Repeated throughout the night, this chant became a unifying call for the audience.
After a year of anticipation, the main event featured Stipe Miocic facing off against the current champion Jon Jones, for the heavyweight championship title. UFC 309 was marked by this intriguing battle, capturing the attention of Trump, a well-known UFC enthusiast, and regular attendee of such grand occasions.
Trump has always embraced the vigor and raw energy that UFC showcases, a reflection of the assertive tone he often presents. This has become ingrained in his campaign strategy, which confidently seeks to amplify his popularity among male voters and distinguish him from his Democratic counterpart.
Revisiting Madison Square Garden was a nostalgic trip where he used to enjoy the vibrant city life before relocating to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida. An occasional trip to Washington only accentuates this, where recent engagements included a two-hour meeting with President Joe Biden and a significant address to House Republicans.
President-elect Trump’s bond with Dana White, the UFC President, has a history that spanned over two decades. Their shared passion for the sport led to a UFC battle being hosted at Trump Taj Mahal, a casino-hotel in Atlantic City, New Jersey back in 2001. Over time, these events have become regular fixtures in Trump’s schedule, enjoying one even during his memorable 2024 campaign.
Lately, Trump’s appearances at UFC matches are marked by the presence of his noteworthy entourage, which have included heavyweight names like Dana White, musician Kid Rock, and former Fox News Channel host Tucker Carlson. Their attendance echoes his influence and underscores the strength of his personal relationships with influential figures.
Trump’s affinity with the UFC extends beyond just being an enthusiast. He was featured alongside White in a UFC video back in 2018. Titled ‘Combatant In Chief’, the video marked his first term and illustrated his fighting spirit, mirroring the passion seen within the octagon.
Dana White and his personal political profile have seen a significant rise in tandem with Trump’s increasing influence on the Republican Party. White has been a vocal supporter, addressing the crowd both at the 2016 and 2020 Republican conventions, and recently in Milwaukee this past July. Their partnership exemplifies the unity and steadfastness that has become the hallmark of the modern Republican Party.
On election night, he was actively involved in the celebrations, offering encouraging words during Trump’s Florida victory party. Tentatively signaling the strength of the president-elect, White commented on Trump’s resilience, stating, ‘This is what happens when the machine comes after you.’ Praising his unwavering determination, he added, ‘He keeps going forward. He doesn’t quit.’