President-elect Donald Trump made a triumphant return to the World’s Most Famous Arena on Saturday night, receiving a thunderous ovation as he made a grand entrance to the UFC 309 fight at Madison Square Garden. The former and future president electrified the sold-out MMA crowd as he strode in to Kid Rock’s “American Badass,” accompanied by a star-studded entourage.
Trump was joined by billionaire Elon Musk, UFC CEO Dana White, his son Donald Trump Jr., Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, newly nominated head of HHS Robert Kennedy Jr., conservative commentator Dan Bongino, and Kid Rock himself. The president-elect was also seen exchanging pleasantries with rapper and pop star Jelly Roll at ringside.
A tribute video to Trump played on the Garden’s jumbotron, featuring a compilation of clips that included the moment he pumped his fist after surviving the first assassination attempt in October. Shortly after his arrival, the crowd spontaneously erupted into chants of “USA! USA!”
Upon entering the arena, Trump made a beeline for UFC host and podcaster Joe Rogan, engaging in a lengthy handshake and conversation. Rogan had previously interviewed and endorsed Trump on his podcast in the days leading up to the election. In anticipation of his arrival, the Secret Service was seen making security preparations, and a few fans sported red Make America Great Again hats.
Trump’s close friendship with UFC CEO Dana White was evident, as White had delivered a rousing speech during Trump’s victory celebration on election night. The fight organizer has also been a vocal supporter of the president-elect, speaking at the Republican National Convention.
Main card fighter Jon Jones expressed his honor at potentially fighting Stipe Miocic in front of President-elect Trump at a media event promoting their fight. “To be here at Madison Square Garden — it’s like the fight capital of the world. And to have the president possibly in attendance, it’s all a huge honor,” Jones, 37, told reporters. Miocic, 42, also expressed excitement at the prospect of Trump’s appearance, speculating that it would be “kinda cool” if Trump presented him with the championship belt after the fight.
Trump has recently become a regular at MSG, hosting a massive MAGA rally last month that drew over 20,000 attendees.
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