President-elect Donald Trump attended the UFC championship at Madison Square Garden, receiving a standing ovation. He was joined by UFC President Dana White, Elon Musk, House Speaker Mike Johnson, Robert Kennedy Jr., and singer Kid Rock. Following his recent election victory, Trump engaged with supporters at the event, dancing to "YMCA" and fist-pumping as symbolic gestures, according to a report by The Hill.
During the event, UFC played a video celebrating Trump's election victory, titled "The Great Comeback in American History," according to abc7NY. Elon Musk and House Speaker Mike Johnson shared their attendance on X, with earlier reports linking Musk to leading a new Department of Government Efficiency. UFC's account in X also featured Trump, blending politics and entertainment in his post-election celebration.
UFC at MSG was epic! pic.twitter.com/BxpiZK00qu
— Speaker Mike Johnson (@SpeakerJohnson) November 17, 2024
Furthermore, UFC heavyweight champion Jim Jones, who secured the title against Stipe Miocic, was seen in a video presenting his UFC heavyweight championship belt to Trump, a moment shared by Trump aide Margo Martin on X. Trump's close relationship with Dana White is evident, as noted in a statement by White, who has consistently supported Trump and spoke at his side during his presidency acceptance speech. "Nobody deserves this more than him, and nobody deserves this more than his family does. This is what happens when the machine comes after you," White was quoted in The Hill's report.
Jon Jones hands his UFC heavyweight championship belt to President @realDonaldTrump 💪🏼🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/mrnu3QtB4L
— Margo Martin (@margomartin) November 17, 2024
The event blended sports and politics, with Trump's son, Don Jr., also attending. Trump's political narrative and the energy of the UFC were closely linked throughout the evening. After spending time at Mar-a-Lago post-election, Trump briefly returned to New York. Earlier in the week, he met with President Joe Biden.
