President-elect Donald Trump, fresh off his electoral victory, spent Saturday night at Madison Square Garden in New York City attending UFC 309, an event that combined high-octane combat sports with a show of political camaraderie. Accompanied by Tesla CEO Elon Musk, UFC President Dana White, and a notable entourage, Trump reveled in an evening of mixed martial arts, marking one of his first public appearances since winning the November 5 election.
Trump, an avid supporter of the Ultimate Fighting Championship and a long-time friend of Dana White, was seated between White and Musk. His presence electrified the crowd as he entered to loud music, greeting fans who waved enthusiastically.
During the event, Trump watched five matches, staying until past 1:30 a.m. Sunday. The highlight of the evening was the heavyweight championship bout between Jon Jones and Stipe Miocic. After securing his victory, Jones thanked Trump during his victory speech, shaking hands with the president-elect.
Among the high-profile figures in Trump’s entourage were House Speaker Mike Johnson, country singer Kid Rock, and former Democratic presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who is expected to be nominated as secretary of health and human services in Trump’s administration. Also present were Tulsi Gabbard, Trump’s pick for director of national intelligence, and country music star Jelly Roll.
Trump’s appearance underscored his connection to UFC fans, a demographic he has cultivated as part of his political base. Known as the “Combatant in Chief” in mixed martial arts circles, Trump has long aligned himself with the sport, seeing it as emblematic of his brash, combative style.
The UFC event also marked a return to Madison Square Garden, where Trump previously held a campaign rally in October that sparked controversy when a comedian mocked Puerto Rico during the event.
A smattering of attendees donned Trump’s signature “Make America Great Again” hats, including Sean Allen, a 22-year-old first-time voter from upstate New York. Allen described his excitement about Trump’s decisive electoral victory over Vice President Kamala Harris, saying, “When I woke up, I was like, OK, wow, Trump won big.”
Another attendee, Nicholas Defilippo, a law enforcement officer from New Jersey, called Trump “the most courageous man on the planet.”
Trump’s visit to New York was only his second public outing since his election win. Earlier in the week, he traveled to Washington to meet with President Joe Biden at the White House. For the most part, he has remained at his Mar-a-Lago resort in Palm Beach, Florida, assembling his Cabinet and preparing for his January 20 inauguration.
His private jet, “Trump Force One,” flew into New York under tight security, with a significant police presence deployed around the storied Manhattan arena.
As Trump prepares to take office, his appearance at the UFC event showcased both his personal passions and his ability to energize his base. With figures like Musk and Kennedy Jr. signaling potential unconventional alliances in his administration, Trump’s presidency is shaping up to blend populist appeal with a mix of high-profile and controversial figures.
For now, the president-elect seems content celebrating his victory and engaging with his supporters, drawing energy from the cheers of crowds who view him as a symbol of resilience and defiance in the political arena.
