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In a scene that felt almost scripted, former President Donald Trump made a splash at UFC 316, held at the Prudential Center in Newark, New Jersey. Just before the fights kicked off, he strolled into the arena to a thunderous standing ovation, momentarily distracting fans from his ongoing public spat with tech mogul Elon Musk. With a charismatic wave, he brought the house down, reminding everyone of his knack for commanding attention.
Trump’s arrival and entourage
Accompanied by UFC President Dana White, Trump made his way to the cageside seats, all while Kid Rock’s “American Bad Ass” pumped through the speakers. This wasn’t his first rodeo; he had previously shared the same vibe at Madison Square Garden during a UFC event last November, where Musk was also present. The atmosphere was electric, with Trump shaking hands and exchanging pleasantries with fans and celebrities alike. Among the crowd were retired boxing legend Mike Tyson and Trump’s own family members, including Ivanka Trump, her husband Jared Kushner, and son Eric Trump, making the night a family affair.
Interactions with fans and the UFC crew
As Trump moved through the arena, he was a magnet for attention. Fans eagerly snapped photos, their phones lifted high, capturing the moment. Trump, a known UFC enthusiast, has a history of attending significant fights, and this night was no exception. He exchanged friendly handshakes with the UFC broadcast team, including the ever-popular Joe Rogan. The two had shared a long conversation on Rogan’s podcast during the final stages of the campaign last year, adding a layer of familiarity to their interaction.
The fights and Trump’s connection to the UFC
Trump’s timing was impeccable as he arrived just in time for the main card featuring two championship bouts. Julianna Peña and Merab Dvalishvili were set to defend their titles in a highly anticipated event. The excitement peaked when UFC fighter Kevin Holland took the stage and choked out Vicente Luque to claim victory, prompting Holland to celebrate by scaling the cage and shaking hands with Trump, further solidifying the connection between the former president and the sport.
Long-standing ties with Dana White
The bond between Trump and White has been strong for over two decades. Their partnership dates back to 2001 when White hosted a UFC event at the Trump Taj Mahal in Atlantic City. Since then, Trump has remained a fixture at UFC matches, especially during his 2024 campaign. His appearances often come with a high-profile entourage, including White, musician Kid Rock, and former Fox News host Tucker Carlson, creating a spectacle that draws both fans and media attention.
The political ramifications of Trump’s presence
The relationship between Trump and White has proven mutually beneficial. White has actively supported Trump at Republican conventions, while Trump has garnered substantial support from fight fans during election seasons. This alliance illustrates how sports and politics intertwine, as Trump’s presence at such events often boosts his visibility and popularity among supporters. The atmosphere at UFC 316 was not just about fighting; it was also a political spectacle, reflecting the complex dynamics of celebrity culture and political allegiance.
As the night unfolded, with punches thrown and cheers erupting, Trump’s presence was a reminder of the blurred lines between entertainment and politics. Whether one supports him or not, it’s undeniable that Trump knows how to make an entrance—and in the world of UFC, that’s half the battle.