new york:
US President-elect Donald Trump was greeted by cheers from fans as he attended an Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight bout at Madison Square Garden in New York on Saturday. Trump entered the arena just before the start of the main card, accompanied by UFC CEO Dana White, a prominent backer during his campaign.
The mixed martial arts match will feature a number of political allies of President Trump, including entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswami, who have been asked by Trump to lead efforts to reduce government inefficiencies. people were also present.
Robert F. Kennedy Jr., President Trump’s nominee for secretary of health, was also at the game, and a photo posted to X shows the two heading to the venue together on Trump’s private plane. Ta.
The night had the feel of a post-election night out for Republicans.
President Donald Trump and Elon Musk are on the go 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
Former Democratic congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard, who has been selected for the role of director of national intelligence, was also in the crowd, along with Trump’s sons Eric Jr. and Don Jr., and musician Kid Rock, a regular at Trump’s rallies. I was inside.
After waving to the cheering crowd, President Trump warmly greeted UFC broadcast analyst Joe Rogan. Logan is a popular podcast host who supported Trump even after appearing as a guest on his show.
Afterward, a giant “Jumbotron” screen atop a cage in the arena where the jets fought played a video featuring campaign highlights with sound bites from President Trump.
The movie ended with the numbers 45 and 47 on the screen, representing the previous and incoming Republican presidents.
Fans chanted “USA, USA,” a refrain often heard at President Trump’s rallies, including one at Madison Square Garden last month.
Trump watched the fight with Musk from a front-row seat next to the caged Octagon.
After Jon Jones defended his heavyweight title with a third-round technical knockout against fellow American Stipe Miocic in the main event, the fighters celebrated with President Trump’s trademark “YMCA” dance.
“I want to sincerely thank President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones said, to loud cheers of approval from the audience.
After leading the crowd in chants of “USA, USA” again, Jones handed the heavyweight championship belt to Trump and spoke with the president-elect for a few moments.
Trump frequently attends UFC events and attended three fights during his campaign for the White House.
His ties to the world of martial arts are deep. He featured retiring WrestleMania star Hulk Hogan at the Republican National Convention in August, in the early days when the series was struggling to gain traction, and long before the multi-billion dollar success it is today. He hosted a UFC fight at his casino.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
