Trump and the team get a warm welcome to UFC fight night

US President Donald Trump was greeted by chanting fans as he attended the Ultimate Fighting Championship heavyweight bout at New York’s Madison Square Garden on Saturday.

Trump entered the arena shortly before the start of the main card accompanied by UFC executive Dana White, who was a prominent backer during his campaign.

Several political allies of Trump also participated in mixed martial arts fights, including entrepreneurs Elon Musk and Vivek Ramaswamy, who have been tapped by Trump to lead efforts to reduce government inefficiencies.

Robert F. Kennedy Jr., whom Trump has nominated to be health secretary, was also at the game, and a photo posted to X showed the pair flying to the event together on Trump’s private jet.

The night had the feel of a post-election night on the town for the Republicans.

Tulsi Gabbard, the former Democratic congresswoman tapped for the role of director of national intelligence, was also in the crowd, along with Trump’s sons Eric and Don Jr. and musician Kid Rock — a regular at Trump rallies.

After waving to the chanting crowd, Trump warmly greeted UFC broadcast analyst Joe Rogan, the popular podcast host who also endorsed Trump after he appeared as a guest on his show.

The venue’s “jumbotron” giant screen above the cage where fighters fought then showed a video of campaign highlights with soundbites from Trump.

The film ended with the numbers 45 and 47 on the screen representing the Republican’s past and future presidency.

Fans chanted “USA, USA,” a refrain often heard at Trump rallies, including one he held at Madison Square Garden last month.

Trump watched the games along with Musk from front-row seats next to the caged octagon.

After Jon Jones defended his heavyweight title with a third-round TKO against American Stipe Miocic in the main event, the fighter celebrated with Trump’s trademark ‘YMCA’ dance.

“I want to say a big thank you to President Donald Trump for being here tonight,” Jones said, receiving a huge roar of approval from the crowd.

After leading the crowd in another round of “USA, USA” chants, Jones then presented his heavyweight championship belt to Trump and spent some time conversing with the president-elect.

Trump often attends UFC events and participated in three fights during his campaign for the White House.

His ties to the fighting world run deep. He introduced retired WrestleMania star Hulk Hogan at the Republican convention in August and hosted UFC fights at his casinos in the early days, when the franchise was struggling to gain traction and long before it became the multibillion-dollar success it is today.

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