New York:
US President-elect Donald Trump was met with enthusiastic cheers and chants from a lively crowd as he made his grand entrance at Madison Square Garden for the highly anticipated Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight bout on Saturday night. Accompanied by UFC chief executive Dana White, a notable supporter during his successful election campaign, Trump arrived just moments before the main card kicked off.
The event drew several of Trump’s political allies, including high-profile entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, both of whom have been entrusted by Trump to spearhead initiatives aimed at reducing government inefficiencies. Their presence highlighted the blending of sports and politics that has characterized Trump’s public life.
Among the attendees was Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who has been nominated by Trump to serve as the health secretary. A photograph on X depicted the two traveling to the fight together aboard Trump’s private jet, reinforcing their camaraderie as they embraced their roles in the new administration.
The atmosphere in the arena felt reminiscent of a celebratory post-election gathering for Republican supporters, as prominent figures gathered to revel in the excitement of the evening.
PRESIDENT DONALD TRUMP AND ELON MUSK ARE WALKING OUT WITH DANA WHITE!!! 🇺🇸#UFC309 | LIVE on TNT Sports Box Office ➡️ pic.twitter.com/VpggsWHtwZ
— UFC on TNT Sports (@ufcontnt) November 17, 2024
Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman chosen for the role of director of national intelligence, also joined the crowd, along with Trump’s sons Eric and Don Jr., and musician Kid Rock, a loyal figure at Trump rallies, enhancing the star-studded lineup of attendees.
After acknowledging the cheering crowd, Trump shared a friendly greeting with UFC broadcast analyst Joe Rogan, a popular podcast host who has publicly endorsed Trump, showcasing their mutual respect and shared interests.
The massive jumbotron above the octagon captivated the audience by showcasing a montage of memorable moments from Trump’s election campaign, complete with soundbites that resonated with his supporters.
Fervent fans showed their support with chants of “USA, USA,” a mantra often heard at Trump’s rallies, echoing the spirit of his previous event at Madison Square Garden last month.
Seated in front-row luxury next to the caged octagon, Trump shared the moment with Musk, both engaged in the thrilling matches unfolding before them.
In a notable highlight of the night, Jon Jones successfully defended his heavyweight title by delivering a stunning third-round technical knockout to fellow American Stipe Miocic in the main event. Jones celebrated his victory with an enthusiastic performance of Trump’s signature ‘YMCA’ dance, drawing laughter and applause from the audience.
“I want to say a big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones exclaimed, eliciting an uproar of approval from fans in attendance.
Following another round of “USA, USA” chants led by Jones, he graciously handed his heavyweight championship belt to Trump, taking a moment to engage in conversation with the President-elect, solidifying their connection.
Trump’s affinity for UFC events is well-documented, having attended three fights throughout his bid for the White House, further illustrating his long-standing relationship with the sport.
The ties between Trump and the world of combat sports run deep; he famously featured retired wrestling icon Hulk Hogan at the Republican convention in August and hosted early UFC bouts at his casinos when the organization was struggling, long before it transformed into the multi-billion-dollar enterprise it is today.
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by NDTV staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
What impact does Trump’s celebrity status have on his political influence?
**Interview with Political Analyst Jane Doe on Trump’s Appearance at UFC 309**
**Interviewer**: Jane, thank you for joining us today to discuss President-elect Donald Trump’s recent appearance at UFC 309. What did you make of the atmosphere at Madison Square Garden?
**Jane Doe**: Thank you for having me! The atmosphere was electric—combining the thrill of mixed martial arts with the excitement of a political rally. The enthusiastic cheers and chants for Trump really underscored the significant crossover between sports and politics during his campaign and beyond.
**Interviewer**: We saw a few high-profile attendees, including Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy. How do you think their presence reflects Trump’s approach to government?
**Jane Doe**: It’s very telling of Trump’s strategy to incorporate successful business minds into his administration. Both Musk and Ramaswamy are known for their focus on reducing government inefficiencies, which aligns with Trump’s motto of ‘draining the swamp.’ Their support also reinforces the theme of celebrity and influence that has become a hallmark of Trump’s political style.
**Interviewer**: Speaking of influential figures, Trump was seen with Robert F. Kennedy Jr. on his private jet, who he has nominated as health secretary. Can you elaborate on the significance of this partnership?
**Jane Doe**: Absolutely. This is quite symbolic, as RFK Jr. brings a legacy of health advocacy and is also a controversial figure in certain circles. By nominating him, Trump is signaling a desire to tackle health issues from a unique standpoint—one that may appeal to a broad spectrum of voters who are wary of traditional approaches.
**Interviewer**: Several notable figures, including Tulsi Gabbard and Kid Rock, were in attendance as well. What does this star-studded lineup reveal about Trump’s support base?
**Jane Doe**: It showcases the diverse tapestry of individuals drawn to Trump—from former Democrats like Gabbard to musicians like Kid Rock. This line-up hints at Trump’s ability to attract a coalition that spans traditional political boundaries. It may also indicate a shift among some voters who are willing to overlook party lines to support a candidate who resonates with their own values or grievances.
**Interviewer**: how do you think Trump’s appearance at such a high-profile sporting event impacts public perception ahead of his upcoming administration?
**Jane Doe**: Making a grand entrance at an event like UFC 309 certainly helps maintain his visibility and connection with his supporters. It reinforces his image as a leader who is in touch with popular culture and the American people. As we approach his administration, events like these will be pivotal in shaping public perception and solidifying his base.
**Interviewer**: Thank you, Jane, for your insights on this fascinating intersection of sports and politics.
**Jane Doe**: My pleasure! It’s an interesting time, and I look forward to seeing how this all unfolds.