President-elect Donald Trump made a grand entrance to a thunderous standing ovation just before the start of the UFC pay-per-view card at Madison Square Garden on Saturday night, bringing together two of his passions: intense battles inside the octagon and New York City. Accompanied by UFC President Dana White, Trump took his place in the cageside seats to the tune of Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass.”
Returning to Madison Square Garden meant revisiting the site where a comedian sparked controversy at a Trump rally last month by making derogatory remarks about Puerto Rico. Despite the incident, Trump continues to enjoy his visits to New York, a city where he resided for many years before relocating to his Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Florida.
As the UFC aired a video package chronicling Trump’s journey to reclaiming the White House, fans rose to their feet in applause. Trump, sporting a red tie, acknowledged the crowd by pumping his fist when the video concluded. He also engaged in some light-hearted moments, dancing briefly to the Village People’s “YMCA” and energetically thrusting his fist in the air as “Takin’ Care of Business” played.
Accompanying Trump at the event were notable figures such as Elon Musk, who had been appointed by Trump to lead a new Department of Government Efficiency, and House Speaker Mike Johnson. Robert Kennedy Jr., Trump’s pick for the Department of Health and Human Services, was also in attendance at Madison Square Garden.
Trump greeted the UFC broadcast team, including Joe Rogan, who had hosted the president-elect on his podcast for an extensive interview during the final stages of the election campaign. The announcers for the pay-per-view event described the atmosphere as “festive” and eagerly anticipated the action, declaring, “47’s in the building. Let’s go.”
Prior to the commencement of the main card, the MSG crowd erupted in chants of “USA! USA!” As the night unfolded, Stipe Miocic vied for his third heavyweight championship reign against current champion Jon Jones in the main event at UFC 309.
A longtime fan of UFC, Trump has been a frequent attendee at major fights, aligning himself with hypermasculine themes as a hallmark of his campaign strategy. Throughout his campaign, Trump and his supporters emphasized alpha-male traits, often using coarse and degrading language to appeal to male voters.
During his campaign, Trump made appearances on various platforms, including podcasts and gaming channels, where supporters touted a vote for Trump as a demonstration of true masculinity. Trump’s son, Don Jr., was also present at the UFC event, further solidifying the family’s support for the sport.
Following his election victory, Trump has primarily been at Mar-a-Lago, with the exception of a brief trip to Washington to meet with President Biden and address House Republicans. The club has hosted several galas and conservative events, maintaining a busy schedule for the president-elect.
Trump’s relationship with Dana White dates back more than two decades, with White hosting a UFC event at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City in 2001. Trump has been a regular attendee at UFC matches, often appearing with high-profile figures such as Kid Rock and Tucker Carlson.
In a notable collaboration in 2018, Trump and White starred in a UFC video where the president was dubbed the “Combatant In Chief.” As Trump solidified his influence within the Republican Party, White’s political stature also grew, with appearances at Republican conventions and events, including speaking at Trump’s victory party in Florida.
Reflecting on Trump’s resilience in the face of challenges, White remarked, “This is what happens when the machine comes after you. What you’ve seen over the last several years, this is what it looks like: couldn’t stop him. He keeps going forward. He doesn’t quit.” The enduring partnership between Trump and White symbolizes a shared commitment to perseverance and triumph in the face of adversity.
As Trump continues to navigate his transition to the White House, his presence at high-profile events like the UFC pay-per-view at Madison Square Garden serves as a reminder of his enduring passion for sports and entertainment. Amidst the cheers of the crowd and the excitement of the fights, Trump’s larger-than-life persona shines through, reflecting his unwavering dedication to his supporters and his vision for the future.
