President-elect Donald Trump made a triumphant return to Madison Square Garden for the UFC 309 fight, receiving a thunderous ovation from the sell-out MMA crowd. Walking out to Kid Rock’s “American Badass,” Trump was accompanied by a celebrity entourage including Elon Musk, Dana White, Donald Trump Jr., and others. The crowd erupted into chants of “USA! USA!” as Trump entered the arena, where he mingled with UFC host Joe Rogan and other supporters.
A tribute video to Trump played on the jumbotron, showcasing highlights of his presidency and campaign moments. The Secret Service was seen making security preparations as fans wearing Make America Great Again hats awaited Trump’s arrival. Trump’s close friendship with UFC CEO Dana White was evident, with White giving a rousing speech on election night and being a vocal supporter of the president-elect.
Main card fighter Jon Jones expressed excitement about potentially fighting in front of President-elect Trump, while opponent Stipe Miocic looked forward to Trump’s attendance. Speculation arose about Trump possibly bestowing the championship belt after the fight. Trump, who recently hosted a mega-MAGA rally at MSG, has become a familiar face at the iconic venue.
Overall, Trump’s presence at UFC 309 created a buzz among fans and celebrities alike, showcasing his continued popularity and influence in the sports world.